Mill Ends

[Surfpixie2]

Hello Forum,
I know what a Bull end and a Ball end is, but I have square ended bits.
What are these called?
How do I get them into the system?
Thanks in advance,

[lloydsp]

They're just 'plain' bits, or 'flat-end bits'.  You don't have to do _anything_ special to get the 'into the system'.  Just enter them as you would any other bit.  CamBam calls them an 'end mill'.

Lloyd

[Surfpixie2]

Thanks, I thought that was the case but just wanted to be certain.

[Bob La Londe]

I think technically an "end" mill is end cutting and can plunge.  Ball end mills, square end mills, bull nose end mills, tapered end mills, etc.  Some old farts like Lloyd and Bubba may well recall HSS mills that not only were not end cutting, but were hollow.  I have a few on the cart out by the big mill. 

Of course what the heck do I know.  I'm just a shade tree wannabee hack hobbyist who some how got people to pay me.  In the words of Steve Martin, "I get paid for doing this."

[Bob La Londe]

I have to say I really expected some push back for calling you guys old farts.  LOL. 

[lloydsp]

But, Bob, I AM an 'old fart'!  71 just this last August 7.

Lloyd

[Bubba]

Bob, I wouldn't call us an 'old farts'. I call myself and others like me 'experienced' .

Now to the end mills. Generally speaking, most all 2 flute can be plunged with, some 4 flute as well, those for this purpose are specially ground with center relief.
Most 4 Fl are not suitable for straight plunge because of center drill hole.
Please see attached picture. Show both types of 4 Fl endmills.
Sorry about the quality, it was taken with my cell phone.