Rudders and keyways

[superdave013]

I have a rudder that I would like to cut a new key slot about 1 inch farther up the shaft from where it is now.
It's a Barber deal that I'm sure is heat treated.
Question:: Do you think I can mill a slot in this bad boy?
I've never machined anything that's been heat treated and I don't want to mess this up.

[kipperps28]

Slow speed, shallow depth, sharp cutter. You can do it. I have faith.

[wsuwrhr]

Slow speed, shallow depth, sharp cutter. You can do it. I have faith.
Without a doubt.
Don't be afraid, young grasshopper.
M-42 Cobalt or carbide will be your friend.
Use a good quality cutting oil.
Slow feed.
Brian

[Cs19]

Only one way to find out. :hammerhea
Isnt the heat treat just a "skin" ? I dont remeber any of that stuff from my classes, but I wanna say it was only like a .030 skin.
Or was that case hardening? I forget.
Let us know if it works.

[GofastRacer]

I used a Cobalt to cut mine, worked great!.. :cool:

[Fiat48]

Just like keying a good crank. Like the man said:
Without a doubt.
Don't be afraid, young grasshopper.
M-42 Cobalt or carbide will be your friend.
Use a good quality cutting oil.
Slow feed.

[WILDERTHANU]

THAT RUDDER IS NOT THAT HARD...BUT GO SLOW. HIT ME UP IF YOU SMOKE THAT CUTTER.

[superdave013]

alright, I'm gonna whack it then. :)

[Jet City]

Just like keying a good crank. Like the man said:
Without a doubt.
Don't be afraid, young grasshopper.
M-42 Cobalt or carbide will be your friend.
Use a good quality cutting oil.
Slow feed.
I agree with the above, also keep your depth of cut light (do to HP increase). Given the function of the part, I would think the material would be <40 RC, thats very workable. Did you file test it?

[GofastRacer]

alright, I'm gonna whack it then. :)
It'll be easier than you think!. :wink:

[DaveA]

Well, you done yet???

[superdave013]

Well, you done yet???
I have to buy a four flute cutter. I'm a 6061 guy most of the time ya know. :rollside:

[schiada96]

I have to buy a four flute cutter. I'm a 6061 guy most of the time ya know. :rollside:
I've got a 1/4 carbide you can use, let me know

[bigkatboat]

BIG DAVE, make sure the old keyway will not fall down into the seal/ stuffing box area. Slow cutting is the way. Just remember, the higher the tiller/ quadrant, the more 'torsional loading' the upper bearing and stuffing box, will have. It does not 'look bad' if you fill in all areas with safety collars. It just means you care about 'human life'. God bless Jeff.

[wsuwrhr]

alright, I'm gonna whack it then. :)
Ah next time pal, keep it to yourself. :confused:
Brian :confused:

[wsuwrhr]

I have to buy a four flute cutter. I'm a 6061 guy most of the time ya know. :rollside:
Four flute my ass, more like 5-6 flute. T-slot cutter. Make sure you get the right diameter.
MC Master Carr.
Don't buy the cheap shit.
Brian

[wsuwrhr]

GET R DUN
CA'MMMMONNNNN
Brian

[76BARRON]

and if that don't work out , as a last resort you can always use E.D.M