Technology Electronics

How to Cut High-Speed Steel

By Technology Last updated Monday, June/03/2024

Milling Machine

1). Place the high-speed steel in a vise or fixture for cutting. Tram the vise to make sure that it is straight before any cutting operations. Tramming involves the use of a precision measuring tool, called an indicator, on the spindle. After tramming the vise or fixture, tighten it down using a wrench.
2). Place a carbide cutting tool, such as an end mill or drill bit, in the spindle. High-speed steel is harder than stainless or carbon steels and should be cut using a tungsten carbide tool. Slide the tool and collet in the spindle and tighten the draw bar at the top of the spindle motor to hold it in place.
3). Touch the top of the high-speed steel you will cut with the bottom of the tool. Reset the Z zero axis so that your depth cuts are accurate. Start the spindle in low gear and adjust the speed of the tool to around 500 rpm, depending on the diameter of the tool itself. Set larger tools at slower speeds to prevent damage to the cutting edges. Cut the high-speed steel according to the blueprint. Use coolant whenever possible to dissipate heat while cutting.

1). Set the chuck jaws in the chuck that match the radius of the high-speed steel. Tighten the two bolts on each so that they do not come loose while spinning. Place the raw material in the jaws and tighten them with the chuck key. Turn the chuck on and make sure that the material is spinning concentrically.
2). Place the carbide insert cutting tool in the tool post. The tool post is right in front of you on the lathe and holds the tool for cutting. Move the tip of the insert to the outer edge of the material using the Z axis traverse wheel, which is attached to the tool post. Reset the micrometer on the wheel to zero so that your cuts are accurate. Move the tool away from the raw material.
3). Start the chuck and adjust its speed to about 300 rpm. High-speed steel is very hard, so slow cutting speeds and feeds are necessary. Follow the dimensions on the blueprint to make all of your cuts, as they will vary depending on the shape of the final, finished part.