Machining hardox

[s8nsmum]

I need to put an angled edge on my nice new shiny hardox teeth that I have had watercut. According to the Hardox website the local temperature needs to be kept under 200c to avoid softening the material. What is the best way to do this? I was thinking of using a surface grinder and slowly taking small cuts until the edge was as I want it. Another option would be using a Carcide tipped fly cutter on a mill to make the cut. If I use a mill I am worried about the metal getting too hot localy plus the teeth are only small and the only carbide cutter I can use is quite large so the finish will be poor. Any advice will be much appreciated.

Best option is a mill with coolant.

[typhoon_driver]

Joseph, I have always used an angle grinder to cut, sharpen and shape hardox. It does heat it up locally and it does mean that the material loses some of its properties. However even if hardox loses some of its hardoxness (woo go me on a new word!) you are still left with a very good steel alloy that will take a lot of punishment. I have never tried hardox on a mill and to be honest I would never want to but by all means give it a go.

O and just to add, if it is for a featherweight then I definately wouldnt worry too much about the local effects of slight overheating.

(Message edited by typhoon_driver on October 03, 2006)

[Mouldy]

As you said- a surface grinder would be a good option- ive seen it done on hardox and it gives very good results- take 0.1mm or less per cut. Use suds.

[s8nsmum]

I think I will probably just put it in the CNC mill, that way I can flood the thing with coolant to keep it nice and cold. If I was to usa the surface grinder then I would knacker the wheel and it is a pain to redress. Thanks for the advice!