Frequently asked questions about selecting and buying cutting tools
Exactalloy · Updated
Short answers to the questions that most often block a purchase: which tool, which holder, what to send for a quotation and what happens after delivery.
Which end mill should I choose?
Work through material, operation, rigidity, tip geometry and holder in that order. Send the workpiece material, measured hardness, operation and machine interface and a shortlist with starting data can be proposed.
- Material sets substrate and coating.
- Operation sets the flute count.
- Feature sets flat, ball nose or corner radius.
- The holder is part of the tolerance chain, not an accessory.
How should I choose a tool holder?
Match the machine interface first, then the tool shank, then the assembly requirements. Confirm the interface standard and size rather than assuming that similar-looking tapers interchange.
- Finishing and high speed: hydraulic or shrink fit.
- Heavy cutting: side-lock, strong or BBT double contact.
- General duty: ER collet chucks.
- Deep cavities: shrink-fit extensions.
What do I need to send for a quotation?
A quotation needs the tool or drawing, the application and the commercial terms. A missing published price means a quotation is required, not that the item is free.
- SKU or a dimensioned drawing for custom items.
- Material, measured hardness, operation and machine interface.
- Quantity per SKU, delivery country and required date.
- Trade term and whether taxes or import duties are to be included.
What about quality, returns and after-sales?
Tools are consumables, so normal wear is not a defect. Early failure such as chipping or coating loss can still be investigated with the cutting data and photographs.
- Provide the order number, tool photographs and the parameters used.
- Unused stock items can usually be returned within a short window.
- Custom tools are made to order and are not returnable without a quality issue.
- Inspection documents can be supplied with the shipment on request.