1.5mm Mill End Cutter Can Anyone Recommend a Supplier

[Ridgeback]

I have a CNC machine made by Keyline of Italy specfically for cutting car keys to code.
I recently acquired a new jaw that uses a different mill end cutter as per picture.
Whilst calibrating it for the first time I managed to snap the cutter.
Ordered another from my supplier, £64.00 plus VAT, yep £64 plus VAT.
Keyline charge a premium for their cutters, the 2.5mm mill end is around £50 plus, but I managed to source a better cutter from Taiwan for $17.00.
I have scoured the internet for an alternative source of these 1.5mm cutters, someone somewhere must be using a similar cutter.
A number of suppliers have email back, but none have managed to offer a 1.5mm 3 flute on a 6mm shank.
I'd appreciate any pointers as who is likely to stock these, even if its a solid shank, I can grind it flat to fit.

Best Regards

[Fivetide]

I dont know much about key cutting and this may be just a useless statement, but could you not swap outhe chuck for a ER11 or something , I'm sure it would be far far cheaper in the long run ?, forgive me if I'm talking with the breath of bottom wind.

[Jonathan]

One or two flute cutters are readily available, so if you don't mind reducing the feedrate to half or a third of what you would use with 3fl, you could use less flutes:

5pcs 1.5mm Single Flute Carbide Spiral End Mills Router Bit 6mm CEL | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5pcs-1-5mm-Single-Flute-Carbide-Spiral-End-Mills-Router-Bit-6mm-CEL-/150819072345?pt=UK_BOI_Metalworking_Milling_Weldin g_Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item231d846959)

[Fivetide]

U see thats why I'm a n0ob

If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.
Isaac Newton

[Ridgeback]

One or two flute cutters are readily available, so if you don't mind reducing the feedrate to half or a third of what you would use with 3fl, you could use less flutes:

5pcs 1.5mm Single Flute Carbide Spiral End Mills Router Bit 6mm CEL | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5pcs-1-5mm-Single-Flute-Carbide-Spiral-End-Mills-Router-Bit-6mm-CEL-/150819072345?pt=UK_BOI_Metalworking_Milling_Weldin g_Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item231d846959)

Unfortunately this is a propitiatory machine i.e. chuck fitting , cutter speed, so I can't change anything.
The only thing I can do is look for an alternative supplier, someone has to make these cutters, they can't be that unique.
If they were more sensibly priced I wouldn't be spending my time trying to find the "holy grail"
If anyone is interested in key cutting to code this video link is the same as my machine
Bianchi Laser 994 Edge - Cut by Decode & Code - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SQ6_aeF9XU)


Thanks for your assistance

[Ali Kat]

Have you tried J&L MSC? They stock a load of different milling cutters. This link is just an example.
https://www.mscdirect.co.uk/CGI/INPDFF?PMCTLG=00&PMPAGE=285&PMITEM=MCL-50509C

Good luck

[Wombilly]

MSC J&L cutters are cheap cutters with a life of around 2 months, costing around the £15 to £25 mark.

ITC are superior cutters with prices around £30 upwards, but they will last you 2 years plus.

CNCRouterShop also supply cutters and have a fantastic guide to assist you. of whhich you can download for future use.