Easy-to-make Fly Cutter

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I cannot tell you how many 'left handed' parts I've made... Nope ain't sayin!!

Keep plugging away. Nice little project you have going.
 
FWIW, holding round stock in a vise like that isn't optimal, as the jaws are in contact in only two spots. I suggest getting/making some v-blocks.
 
I have milled v-grooves into the vise soft jaws. They actually hold the part very securely and accurately. And yup Ill keep at it, I have another piece of cut off from work I will use to make the cutter again. And this time I will make for damn sure which way I am cranking the handle!!
 
Hello Ken,

I've just read your thread about making a fly cutter. I know it is a bit late but I thought you might like to see one of mine.

It is a simple disc on a shaft with a hole drilled near the edge to take a small piece of HSS that can be held by a grub screw through the edge. I drilled mine to take a bit of 1/4" square tool steel about an inch long.

I've also included a picture of one of the tool tips showing how I ground the cutting edge. I have also ground different tools to suit different materials and shapes.

New_Flycutter-3.jpg

New_Flycutter-2.jpg

New_Flycutter-1.jpg

Initial_Grind-02.JPG

The shaft is 1/2" and the disc is also 1/2" thick. This one is an offcut from the end of a 3" diameter stainless steel bar.
 
Like it, John but there is a nice mod from Martin Cleeve when he made three holes to sweep different radii.

Mine is a wee bit craftier because I welded a No2 MT scrap blank or drill shank to the disc. You can then use a draw bar.

Meantime


regards

Norman
 
Hi Rick, Norman,

Rick, I seem to recollect talking with you about fly cutters some time ago. When I first made mine I didn't realise just how versatile they could be. I've cut dovetails and stepped edges with mine.

Norman, Nice to hear from you. One of the reasons that I didn't use a tapered shank was so that I could use the cutter in the lathe chuck. Very convenient for making sure that the QCT was actually square to the chuck before machining dovetails in it.
 
I have posted a thread on making a simple end mill/flycutter using a an RCT
it works well for roughing and sa the others have said a simple flycutter for finishing wide flat surfaces
 
In a hurry one can make a fly cutter from a HEX bolt.
Remove the threaded part or just the threads down to a standard collet size
mill a slot as angled as the head thickness allow and place good size screws.
You may not be as proud of your craftsmanship but can be proud of your speed to get the job done and just as well.
 

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