Carbide burr questions

[SteveU]

Looking thru the tool catalogs seen these & wondered who makes good ones & what they are used for other than porting heads? What shapes do you use the most & how long do they last?

 

[MXtras]

I use the "flame" the most often - shaped like a cone with a radius on the end, but I have about 8 or 10 different shapes.

I do not use them all too often but they are essential to have around. I use them most for reaching into places nothing else will reach. Since I got a bandfile (small, narrow, handheld beltsander) I have found myself needing rotary burrs less frequently.

I haven't bought a new one in many, many years. I guess just like everything else, they will last a while as long as they are cared for. If you spin them slow, they will chip easily so keep the Rs up.

If you use them for cutting aluminum, they can clog up and turn into a spinning aluminum lolipop if you are not careful. One secret here is to mist the cutter with WD-40 or dunk it into transmission fluid every so often and use light pressure. Some folks use wax to keep the cutting flutes clear.

Scott

 

[OldCarGuy]

Carbide burs come in all types of shape and sizes, and are primarily used to remove small amount of steel from hard-to-reach nicks and crannies. They hold up muck better than mounted points, and can be used on hardened steel. Though I keep an array of diamond burs for that. Good quality burs last longer than cheapie imports.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=325-2102&PMPXNO=5808975&PARTPG=INLMK3

For best results using carbide burs it’s necessary to run at high RPM’s, above 20,000. I like using a Dumore die grinder. They are costly; but you cannot kill them! When I need to get in tight places and don’t need all the power of a Dumore I use a pencil air grinder.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=1792863&PMT4NO=28773799

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=16355413&PMT4NO=28774659

 

[v8garage]

They are used in industry mainly to clean up welds in tight places where you can't use a grinding disk. Indispensible where welds have to pass x-ray and there is no other way to prep them.

 

[PoorOwner]

Do you guys know how to get some of the aluminum that got stuck on the bit..?

 

[chad s]

Do you guys know how to get some of the aluminum that got stuck on the bit..?

It is tough, but so is the carbide. I would try going over it with a propane torch (with the burr in a vise, not your hand, of course!!!), as the aluminum will contract and expand at a different rate than the carbide. A propane torch shouldnt affect the harness of the carbide. Once you heat it, Id spray it with some penetrating oil, heat it again, and try to use a metal pick to break the aluminum particles away.

 

[Buck_nekid]

I don't use them to often anymore, but like MXtras stated some (like me) use canning wax to keep them clear. That goes for all types of aluminum cutting, die grinder, grinder, recip saw, ect.

 

[MXtras]

Do you guys know how to get some of the aluminum that got stuck on the bit..?

A lengthy soak in Draino does the trick. Rinse and repeat if needed.

Scott

 

[Major Ramifications]

They make special ones for aluminum, but I have never tried one of those.
It has been a few years, but I have bought several carbide burrs (for steel) from Grainger that were all Made-In-USA. The price wasn't too bad, either.
They work great for elongating holes.

 

[dxdexter]

Carbide burrs along with a good quality die grinder are indispensable for metal fabrication work. I have many different sizes and shapes. They are used for grinding welds, opening up holes, and really anywhere that requires filing or grinding that typical means will not suffice.

The pictures show my Black and Decker Industrial (pre Dewalt) die grinder and some various burrs. The cylindrical bit with the wider flutes on the left is for aluminum, but aluminum bits can also resemble those for ferrous metals.

Most of mine are produced by Walter Tools.

 

[79rallysport]

Do you guys know how to get some of the aluminum that got stuck on the bit..?

Use Muriatic Acid. It will basically dissolve the aluminum.

 

[Wildfire]

Good brands can be purchased from MSC. Look for Atrax first, Made-in-USA, second. I've seen plenty of times where they are running specials at 40-50% off.

Other catalog stores have the same brands, so shop around. I'm just very familiar with MSC. Also try on Ebay. Sometimes you'll find good deals there. SGS is also good.

Once you invest in a set, protect them. The carbide will chip when it hits other carbide. It might chip if it hits steel, but probably not.

 

[PoorOwner]

I just got a set from Summit Racing. Their own brand porting kit, seems pretty nice, 4 bits in a pouch under $50.

They sell non-ferrous burrs for aluminum also, so you don't have to gum up your regular burrs for steel.

 

[engnerdan]

I have not bought from this source but there prices are good, and they sell the burs that are just for aluminum.

http://store.drillsandtaps.com/


-Dan

 

[george4]

What is the difference between a single and double cut burr?

 

[engnerdan]

Double Cut— Cross-fluted pattern removes metal faster, produces smaller chips, allows better control, and gives coarser finish than single cut.

Single Cut— For use where more gradual stock removal and finer finishes are required.

 

[george4]

Double Cut— Cross-fluted pattern removes metal faster, produces smaller chips, allows better control, and gives coarser finish than single cut.

Single Cut— For use where more gradual stock removal and finer finishes are required.

Thanks.

 

[PoorOwner]

Do I have to use any kind of oil or lubricant when porting cast iron material with this bit?

 

[MXtras]

No lube required for steel or cast. Just for aluminum.

Scott

 

[PoorOwner]

Another question how to use this. I was trying to port my turbine housing (cast iron). The die grinder takes ALOT of air. I know most is saying that low tool speed cause the burr to chip.. but do I have to spin it at 20000 RPM?

Also, do I apply pressure, at first I was using it like a dremel.. let the speed do it's job, but just made a lot of small slivers and seem to waste alot of air. But I find if I press a bit harder it cut faster.

 

[rjsupply]

For High Quality Carbide Burrs manufactured right here in the USA, try www.rjtool.com

Here is a link to their burrs:

http://www.rjtool.com/c-42-carbide-burs.aspx

 

[JayL]

I am tempted to try these. I just need to grind welds on mild steel.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016KD0H8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or I should not be even thinking about it but rather get 1 or 2 good ones for my specific application.... LOL

What is the best profile and size to use for grinding **** welds?

I have a 22000 rpm Hitachi Die Grinder.

Single Cut Garr-Tool carbide burrs are easily available at local stores but I was thinking to get Double Cut ones.

Thanks