T-slot cutters are a special type of end mill having either straight or tapered shanks and designed for
cutting T-slots in machine tables and similar applications.
NOTE: In producing a T-slot, a groove for the narrow portion of the slot is first machined with an end mill
or side mill and then finished with the T-slot cutter.
WOODRUFF KEY SEAT CUTTERS
These cutters are of special design for cutting key seats for Woodruff keys (that have the shape of a half
circle). These are available in all sizes and are of two types, end mill and arbor cutters. The end mill is
available in diameters from 114" to 1 1/2"; the arbor type, in diameters from 2 1/8" to 3 1/2."
SIDE MILLING CUTTERS
Cylindrical in form, side-milling cutters have cutting edges on one or both sides also on their
outer-cylindrical surface. Side milling cutters are quite similar to plain cutters. They also have teeth on
one or both sides. In milling operations where two cutters are placed side by side, they have teeth on
only one side. The teeth can be straight, helical, or staggered.
Slots machined with side milling cutters have smoother and more accurate sides than those machined
with plain milling cutters. Rake angle for the cutting edges at the sides of a side-milling cutter is called
the axial rake angle. It is the angle at the cutting edge between the tooth face and the machined surface.
METAL-SLITTING SAWS
Metal-slitting saws are designed for cutoff operations and for cutting narrow slots. The sides are slightly
tapered toward the hole to prevent binding. Like other milling cutters, they can be plain or made with
side teeth or with staggered teeth.
HOLDING THE WORK PIECE ON THE TABLE
Since more than one cutting edge of a milling cutter is cutting, the total cutting force of the work piece
can be large. A machinist needs considerable skill and experience to enable him to securely clamp
some types of work pieces. A work piece must be held securely so that it cannot shift during a cut. A
work piece should also be supported to prevent any springing due to the cutting force, the clamping, or
its own weight. A work piece is usually clamped to the table using the T slots. Smaller work pieces can
be held in a vise bolted to the table. There are several types of vises that can be used including the plain
vise, swivel vise, and the toolmaker's universal vise.
Most milling vises have two keys on their bases for fitting into a T slot for locating the vise on the milling
machine table. Standard vise jaws are flat. They can be removed and replaced with special vise jaws,