Machining 304 stainless steel with woodworking cutters

Peter E. Nuskey, a Southampton, Pa.-based mechanical consultant and custom machining provider, said he had to cut 0.115"-wide clevis slots in the end of 1/4"-dia. 304 stainless steel rods. However, no commercial cutters are available for that slot width, according to Nuskey.

"I got a 1/8" carbide slot cutter for wood, which is held by a 1/2"-dia. arbor," he said. "I then ground the tips down to 0.115" with a diamond wheel on my Deckel tool grinder. At 425 rpm in my M head Bridgeport, I slotted the rods 0.437" deep. I couldn't believe the cutting edges held up, but they cut away the material with no signs of wear. This job was a last-minute desperation job that I successfully completed in just 3 hours."

Nuskey can be reached at (215) 355-3391.