Which shank should I choose for my milling machine?

This question is faced by many beginner hobbyists and people passionate about machining, especially milling. To begin with, it is important to identify the type and size of the spindle seat of the machine tool. Next, it is necessary to determine the model of the milling cutter that will perform the machining. Once these parameters are known, the bore diameter of the cutter should be determined to match the diameter of the shank on which the cutter will be mounted.

Milling arbors are toolholders that, as the name suggests, are used to hold milling cutters. Depending on the type of cutter, there are different types of shanks but almost all of them have a parameter such as the diameter of the shank that fits with the hole in the cutter. Probably the most common type is the universal milling arbor. In this system, there is a so-called take-up ring that can be pulled off. This allows the mounting of heads or cutters with a longitudinal or transverse indentation. A similar construction is used for picks. Compared to universal burrs, they do not have a driver ring, but only a so-called driver. Ball mill burrs have an extended working diameter, on which the cutter can be positioned in various positions by means of spacer rings. Disc milling arbors do not have spacer rings. The disc cutter is seated from the face of the toolholder and is clamped by tightening the sleeve with a locating key. Horizontal long shanks are a type of shank for saw and disc milling cutters.