Question 1

When should I use a carbide tipped tool instead of solid carbide?

Accepted Answer

A carbide tipped tool brazes premium carbide only where the cutting happens, while the body stays alloy steel. That combination delivers carbide wear resistance at the cutting edge with far better shock tolerance and lower cost per tool than a full solid carbide body. It is the preferred choice for interrupted cuts, cast iron, abrasive non-ferrous alloys, older or less rigid machines, and larger diameters where solid carbide becomes expensive and fragile.

Question 2

What hole tolerance can I expect from your chucking reamers?

Accepted Answer

Standard chucking reamers are produced to industry right-hand cut, right-hand or straight flute geometry and are ground to nominal size with plus tolerance available on request. Hole size, roundness and finish in production depend on pre-drill allowance, rigidity, coolant delivery and speed. As a rule, leave 0.010 in. to 0.015 in. of stock on diameter for reaming and consult our speeds and feeds charts for the material being cut.

Question 3

Can Rock River Tool manufacture a special or modified cutting tool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Special geometry, non-standard diameters and lengths, step tools, form tools, coolant-through designs, alternate carbide grades, shank modifications and coatings are all produced in house. Send a print, sketch or the tool number you want modified and our engineering team will review manufacturability before quoting.

Question 4

Which carbide grades does Rock River Tool use?

Accepted Answer

Tools are tipped with application-matched grades: C-2 class carbide such as our 883 premium grade for cast iron, aluminum and other non-ferrous materials, and C5/C6 class carbide such as our 370 premium grade for steels. Selecting the right grade for the workpiece is the single fastest way to improve tool life.

Question 5

Are Rock River Tool cutting tools made in the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rock River Tool has manufactured in the United States since 1986. Grinding, brazing, inspection and finishing are performed at our own facility, which keeps lead times, traceability and quality control under our direct supervision.