M.a. Ford 12131250T Square End Mill 5/16 in 2 Flute Carbide

Product Description

The M.A. FORD 12131250T is a solid carbide square end mill designed for precision milling operations across a wide range of workpiece materials. Built from micrograin carbide stock and finished with a Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating, this 2-flute tool delivers clean square-shoulder cuts in both roughing and finishing applications. The 5/16-inch (0.3125-inch) cutting diameter pairs with a 13/16-inch (0.8125-inch) length of cut, giving machinists enough depth capacity for most standard slotting and profiling passes. Overall length is 2.5 inches with a straight cylindrical shank. This is a right-hand cut, right-hand flute tool with a 30-degree helical flute geometry and center-cutting capability.

This end mill is suited for use in vertical machining centers, CNC milling machines, and manual knee mills where a standard-length 5/16-inch tool is appropriate. The Series 121 designation places it in M.A. FORD's standard-length square end mill lineup. Rated for use across multiple workpiece material categories including cast iron, non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, heat-resistant superalloys, and steel, it covers a broad cross-section of common shop materials. The 2-flute configuration supports chip evacuation in slotting operations and softer materials where flute space matters.

Key Features

• Micrograin solid carbide construction for wear resistance and edge retention
• Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating reduces friction and extends tool life
• 30-degree helix angle promotes smooth chip flow and reduced cutting forces
• Center-cutting design allows direct plunge entry into workpiece
• Right-hand cut with right-hand helical flutes, standard orientation for most CNC setups
• Diameter tolerance held to +0.000 / -0.003 inches for consistent fit and finish

Compatibility

Designed for use with workpiece material categories H, K, M, N, P, and S, covering hardened materials, cast iron, stainless and heat-resistant alloys, non-ferrous metals, steel, and titanium-based alloys. Accepts standard 5/16-inch collets or end mill holders.

Installation Notes

Installation and setup should be performed by a qualified machinist or toolroom technician. Ensure the machine spindle is fully stopped and locked out before changing tooling. Seat the straight cylindrical shank fully into the collet or end mill holder and torque the retention hardware according to the toolholder manufacturer's specifications. Verify runout with a dial indicator before taking the first cut, as excessive runout will accelerate edge wear on carbide tooling.