This Star Tool carbide end mill is very fine, well ground and very sharp. I have used it successfully for side milling mild steel and it leaves a very good result. Keep in mind that this is carbide and they should work fairly quickly. In a subsequent operation I moved too slowly in my Bridgeport M head on an interrupted cut and broke the instrument, my bad one. I will be ordering a replacement from Star Tool as they are really good end mills at a fantastic price.