Cleveland C38968 Keyway End Mill 0.5in 2 Flute Hss Ticn

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C38968 is a 2-flute, high speed steel keyway end mill designed for precise slot milling and finishing operations in metalworking environments. Built to the HG-2K series standard, it features a titanium carbonitride (TiCN) finish that increases surface hardness and wear resistance compared to uncoated tooling. The 0.5 inch mill diameter pairs with a 0.5 inch straight shank with Weldon flat for secure chuck engagement. A 30-degree helix angle and spiral flute geometry promote efficient chip evacuation during finishing cuts. The center-cutting design allows plunge entry, adding operational flexibility. Installed and operated by machinists and tool-and-die professionals in job shop and production environments.

This end mill is suited for finishing passes on cast iron and steel workpieces, with secondary capability on non-ferrous metals. The 1 inch length of cut (LOC) and 3.25 inch overall length (OAL) make it appropriate for moderate-depth slotting, keyway cutting, and profile milling on manual knee mills, CNC machining centers, and bridgeport-style machines. The TiCN coating extends tool life in abrasive ferrous materials where uncoated HSS tooling wears prematurely.

Key Features

• TiCN finish improves wear resistance and surface hardness over bare HSS
• 30-degree helix angle with spiral flutes for effective chip evacuation during finishing
• Center-cutting geometry allows direct plunge entry without a pre-drilled pilot hole
• Weldon flat on straight shank reduces slippage under side-load cutting forces
• Tight mill diameter tolerance of +0.0000 / -0.0015 inches for accurate slot sizing
• Optimized for cast iron and steel; secondary use on non-ferrous metals

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or direct-use end mill compatible with standard 0.5 inch collets, Weldon-flat set-screw holders, and end mill chucks used on manual and CNC milling machines.

Installation Notes

Installation should be performed by a qualified machinist following shop safety procedures. Power down and lock out the spindle before loading or changing tooling. Seat the Weldon flat against the set screw in the tool holder and torque the set screw per the holder manufacturer specification to prevent pull-out under axial load. Confirm runout with a dial indicator before beginning finishing cuts to protect both the workpiece and tool edge.