When calculating feed rate, you need to know the number of teeth that are cutting per revolution of the cutter.
When using a skip tooth cutter, I think I need to actually use
1/2 the total number of teeth because 1/2 the teeth are cutting each side. Is this correct??chuck
Depends of the chip load you can tolerate and the finish required. Generally the staggered teeth overlap enough that the vast majority of the center is removed with each tooth, so you can target your feed rate based on each tooth cutting. The staggered teeth deal with the slightly heavier cut on the sides quite nicely, at least on larger machines. If in doubt, start light and increase feed accordingly. On a machine like a K&T, you can do that while it's running. You probably already know to *not* climb mill.
Harold
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