Create your own versatile milling cutters. These kits include a cutter body, inserts, wrenches, and screws. Also known as indexable end mills, replaceable insert milling cutters remove metal at least two times faster than comparable high-speed steel milling cutters. When the cutting edges dull, replace the carbide inserts instead of the entire tool. The inserts come factory sealed from the manufacturer for maximum traceability.

Use with an R8 shank arbor (sold separately).

Titanium-diboride (TiB2) coated inserts reduce friction in nonferrous metals and composites, so you can use them without lubrication in material like aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic. Titanium-aluminum-nitride (TiAlN) coated inserts dissipate heat better than other inserts, especially at high speeds. At high temperatures, the coating creates a layer of aluminum oxide that transfers heat to the chips, keeping the inserts cool, even when used without lubrication.

Kits come with either octagon or square inserts. Use octagon inserts for general face milling. With eight cutting edges, they generate smooth cuts. Use square inserts to create a 90° corner when shoulder milling.

Designed for milling the surfaces of plates and bars, these cutters consist of multiple carbide inserts and a holder. They help you reduce waste and cost in high-volume jobs—when the cutting edges dull, replace the inserts instead of the entire tool. The inserts are locked in place with a screw for a hold that’s strong enough to handle the high speeds of a CNC machine. These cutters have a large mill diameter for making wide, shallow cuts on the face or side of your workpiece. They also have a hole that passes coolant from your machine onto the workpiece, minimizing heat.

When choosing a holder, consider the type of finish you want. The finer the finish, the more inserts you’ll need. More inserts mean tighter spacing, so you can machine at high speeds and remove material quickly while leaving a smooth surface. However, you’ll also need more machine power. Fewer inserts mean a coarser finish—the inserts are spaced apart to help with chip evacuation. A coarse finish is best for roughing applications, light machining, and cutting soft metals such as aluminum.

Inserts (sold separately) have a negative rake, which means they have cutting edges on both sides. They last longer than comparable positive-rake inserts. As each edge dulls, you can rotate to a fresh one. When all the edges on one side are worn, flip the insert over. Built-in chip breakers prevent long chips from forming, so they won’t block the flow of coolant or damage your tool. Inserts sold individually come packed in a clear plastic case to protect cutting edges during shipment. Inserts sold in packs come factory sealed from the manufacturer for maximum traceability.