What is the difference between End Mill and Face Mill?

Two milling cutters for different jobs — one for profiles and pockets, one for flattening large faces. Making shapes, slots and pockets → end mill. Flattening a large surface fast → face mill. Most milling jobs use both.

Reference › Glossary › End Mill vs Face Mill

Comparison

End Mill vs Face Mill

What's the difference?

Two milling cutters for different jobs — one for profiles and pockets, one for flattening large faces.

End Mill

Cuts on its end and sides, so it makes slots, pockets, profiles and contours and can plunge. Usually solid carbide; comes in many flute counts and shapes.

Face Mill

A big-diameter cutter with replaceable inserts that quickly machines flat surfaces in a wide, shallow pass. Efficient for facing stock and making flat datums.

Bottom line

Making shapes, slots and pockets → end mill. Flattening a large surface fast → face mill. Most milling jobs use both.

Full definitions

End Mill

Cutting Tools

Face Mill

Cutting Tools

Insert

Indexable Insert

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