Why Fly Cutters Are Used?

Fly cutters are used primarily on a milling machine for machining large, flat surface areas. Fly cutters can be used in machining centers and manual mills without the use of additional arbors.

What is a fly cutter and how is it used?

A fly cutter is a single-point rotary cutting tool primarily used on a milling machine for machining large and flat surfaces. The fly cutter is composed of a body into which one or two tool bits are inserted. Most fly cutters are available with a holder, drawbolt, thrust washer, and a left-hand carbide cutting tool.

Is it better to use a fly cutter or face mill when milling steel?

While face milling provides a quality surface finish at higher speeds, a fly cutter can create a much finer finish because you are only cutting with one insert. ... A fly cutter provides a single cutting surface, which isn't as fast but is much more uniform and develops into a smoother surface.