Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Looking for spindles [cutters]

CL,
Speaking of engraving bits. Last week I finally discovered the answer to why,
after several sharpenings, the edges on Antares "solid micrograin carbide" cutters
would instantly break down when touched to metal in the usual operation.
After many repeated resharpenings and microscopic examination, the evidence struck
me. What I noticed was a difference in color between the unground surface flat, dark,
and the core metal, much lighter. These cutters are case hardened. Once you grind back
to the core material, they chip and crumble very easily. Trash!
A new cutter performs as expected, even with their crude sharpening. It appears as
tho they are case hardened after sharpening.
I bought the carbide tipped type. I have asked them about all carbide cutters, but no
reply as yet.
This unexpected problem has cost me many hours of lost time and product not up to my
full expectations.
Beware of this situation, should you encounter edges that don't seem to last like they
used to.
RichD

CL wrote:

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Most spindles like this use a top loading style bit which can be real handy for toolchanges. They
come in "fixed" diameters for 1/8', 11/64" and 1/4" tooling. A picture of a typical bit is on the

> top of the Antares Page: http://www.antaresinc.net/ Many types of bits are available including spiral flutes and oversize fly bits. Most of the bits are easily sharpened if you are fortunate enough
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