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Article: Should you balance your tools?
- Article from:
- Modern Machine Shop
- Article date:
- August 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Gardner Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The answer varies from process to process. Experience is the best guide.
Ask anyone who has ridden in a centrifuge. As rpm increases, centrifugal force increases even faster. In the same way, any unbalance in a spinning body - say, a milling cutter - generates more force as the body spins faster. In shops making the transition to high speed machining, thoughts quite often turn to tool balance.
Should you balance your tools? A more balanced system of tool, toolholder, and spindle can net several advantages. These range from extended tool life and less downtime for spindle maintenance to tighter machining accuracy and better surface finish [ILLUSTRATION FOR ...