ITL TV: Stop the Chatter: How End Mill Geometry Reduces Vibration

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Chatter at the machine is one of the most frustrating problems a machinist can face. In this episode of In The Loupe TV, Cutting Tool Counselor Don Grandt explains how modern end mill geometry tackles the problem at its source by breaking up impact frequency.

Don walks through three key design features found on high-performance end mills: variable pitch, variable helix, and progressive helix. Each one works to disrupt the harmonic patterns that cause vibration, giving you a cleaner finish, longer tool life, and more consistent cutting action.

If you’re still running symmetrical end mills for finish work, this is the episode that will change how you spec your tools.

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ITL TV: Where the Metal Meets the Mill

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In this episode of In The Loupe TV, the “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, breaks down points of contact and why they matter in machining applications. Learn how to identify where your tool is engaging the material, how many points of contact are in the cut, and how optimizing that engagement can improve performance.

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ITL TV: How HEM Toolpaths Tackle Heat and Vibration

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Have you ever wondered what really causes premature tool failure? The “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, is here to uncover the two biggest culprits: heat and vibration. In this episode of In The Loupe TV, Don explains how High Efficiency Machining (HEM) toolpaths are designed to combat both, helping you achieve smoother cuts, longer tool life, and maximum efficiency at the spindle. Learn how HEM toolpaths like dynamic, adaptive, and prophet milling strategies manage heat buildup, reduce chatter, and keep you from killing your end mill.

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In the Loupe TV: Understanding Tool Engagement Angle

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Have you ever wondered what really drives the success of High Efficiency Machining (HEM) toolpaths like Dynamic Milling, Adaptive Clearing, and Trochoidal Milling? The “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, is back to reveal the hidden key: Tool Engagement Angle (TEA). In this episode of In The Loupe TV, Don explains how optimizing TEA can help you make the most of your HEM toolpaths, boost productivity at the spindle, and get the best results from your cutting tools. 

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In the Loupe TV: Cutting Tool Coatings

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Have you ever wondered if a coating is really necessary for your cutting tool? The “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, is here to help! Coatings can have a major impact on tool life, performance, and even part quality, but knowing when to use them can be tricky. In this episode of In The Loupe TV, Don will break down what tool coatings actually do, explain key terms like hardness, coefficient of friction, and oxidation temperature, and share how coatings can boost your results in the shop.

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In the Loupe TV: Avoiding Miniature Tool Breakage

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Have you ever broken a miniature tool? The “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt is here to help! Miniature cutting tools, such as end mills, drills, and reamers, don’t run the same as a large standard end mills and adjustments must be made to run them optimally and to avoid tool failure. In this episode of in The Loupe TV, Don will walk you though what causes miniature tools to break and fail, and tips & tricks on how you can have success in your next miniature application.

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In the Loupe TV: Hand Tapping Tips

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Have you ever snapped a hand tap? Let the Cutting Tool Counselor help! There are 3 main types of hand taps that all have different taper angles. How and when you use them will greatly determine the success of your hand tapping application. Check out this episode of In the Loupe TV to learn about the differences between the types of hand taps and how to use them most effectively.

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ITL TV: Programming Multi-Axis Finishers With Mastercam

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In the previous episode of In the Loupe TV, the “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, dove into what Circle Segment Cutters are (otherwise known as Multi-Axis Finishers, Conical Cutters, Barrel Cutters), and how they can save you time and money at the spindle. Although these tools are excellent for vastly improving surface finish while greatly reducing cycle times, they are notorious for being tricky to program. In this episode learn some tips and tricks on how you can use your CAM software program, like Mastercam, to program Helical’s Multi-Axis Finishers more efficiently.

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In the Loupe TV: Introduction to Circle Segment Machining

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In this episode of In the Loupe TV, join the “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, to learn all about circle segment machining. This episode dives into Helical Multi-Axis Finishers, otherwise known as circle segment cutters, conical cutters, or barrel cutters. Learn what these unique tools are, the different types of profiles they’re offered in, and how they can help you save time and money at the spindle.

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In the Loupe TV: Harvey Tool Spring 2024 Highlights

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In this episode of In the Loupe TV, join the “Cutting Tool Counselor,” Don Grandt, as he dives into the exciting new tooling additions to Harvey Tool’s Spring 2024 Product Catalog. This edition features more than 700 new tools, including Harvey’s first Miniature End Mill offered with Coolant Through. In addition, new products include: Thread Milling Cutters – Single Form – ACME, Counterbores – Flat Bottom – Corner Radius, and many more!

Request a Copy or Download the Spring 2024 Harvey Tool Catalog

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