Finally tried a 3-flute endmill on that 6061 job after using 2-flute for years

I was running the same parts for a week and swapped to a 3-flute for the finish pass, it cut my cycle time by almost 15% and left a way better surface. The extra flute really helped with chip evacuation and kept things cooler. Anyone have a go-to brand for aluminum work they swear by?

3 comments

3 Comments

leerobinson23d ago

Harvey Tool's 3-flute endmills are my absolute favorite for aluminum.

evan_jenkins23d ago

Their two-flute tools work way better for me, honestly.

wyatt_shah8510d ago

My old shop ran a test on 7075 with coolant pressure under 100 psi. We found the 3-flute really shined there because the extra flute helped push chips up and out of the deep pocket better than a 2-flute could. It wasn't about speed for us, it was about not having to stop and clear chips. I get why @evan_jenkins likes two-flute for some jobs, but in that specific wet, low-pressure setup, three was the clear winner for finish and reliability.