deep groove in stainless steel

[Tmoose]

We need to machine a groove about 4 inches deep. Round part / big shaft.
What is the minimum width we can expect to get make with a full radiused bottom.

 

[moldcore]

It would probably help to know more about the shape of the groove (straight, circular, etc.) and it’s location on the part. Is the groove going to have closed ends? Can the groove be machined from the side such as with a wire EDM? A closed end groove, 4” deep, could be cut with a long ½” end mill but that would be pushing it.

 

[Tmoose]

circular (?) groove on a big shaft. As if done with a parting or cut-off tool with the shaft spinning in a lathe. Full radius bottom, unlike a typical square parting tool.

 

[moldcore]

Oh sorry, I didn’t see the “round part/big shaft” thing. Not sure about a 4 inch deep groove like that. You might get by with a 1/4 to 3/8 tool. Use a tool with a square end and finish with a tool with a full radius.