There is a surprisingly wide variety of different types of end mills used in machining, some of which are used for rough stock removal and cutting a workpiece to shape, and others which are used to impart a desired finish to it, with a whole lot in between.

This short post will take a quick look at some of the more common types of end mills used in machining. 

Square End Mills

With a 90-degree profile (hence the name) square end mills are used for a wide range of general purpose machining applications including but not limited to plunge cutting, slotting, and profiling. This makes them fairly versatile among end mills.

Radius End Mills

Radius end mills have a radiused nose, rather than a square nose, which makes them useful for cutting a specific radius in a workpiece.

Roughing End Mills

Roughing mills are used to remove a large amount of material from a workpiece relatively quickly. They typically have a serrated tooth configuration which leaves a fairly rough finish on the workpiece after the pass or passes are completed. They are sometimes referred to as hog mills and are available in coarse and fine pitch configurations. 

Drill Mills

Drill mills or drill end mills are relatively versatile end mills that can be used for a wide variety of applications such as drilling, spotting, chamfering, countersinking and milling. 

Corner Radius End Mills

Corner radius end mills are specialized types of end mills with a rounded cutting edge that are used when a specific cutting radius is needed. 

Tapered End Mills

Tapered end mills are another specialized type of end mill that are used in die and mold applications when a specific taper is required to cut the specific shape needed. 

Ball End Mills 

Ball end mills are also known as ball nose end mills and have a rounded end, hence the name. They are used for cutting contours in workpieces, and can also be used for slotting and pocketing. 

Keyway End Mills 

Keyway end mills have an undersized cutting diameter which enables a precise fit for the cutting tool within the keystock.

Finishing End Mills 

Finishing end mills are used to leave a smooth, polished finish on a workpiece, typically in a single pass. A special type, called a roughing and finishing end mill, is designed both to remove a large amount of material from the workpiece and leave the desired finish in a single pass. 

Shop Machinist Tools and Supplies at TMT Toolbox

Want to learn more about the different types of end mills used in machining, or are you simply here to find a new supplier of machinist tools and accessories? 

Visit TMT Toolbox. They carry a wide range of metal cutting tools, end mills, hand tools, and much more, all from the highest quality brands in the industry. 

Check out their website and if you have any questions about anything they sell, get in touch with them directly and they will help you out before you buy.

For more information about Lathe Chucks and Machine Tool Accessories Please visit: TMT Toolbox.