Activity 2.3.

2 Speeds and Feeds

Introduction
Why is it necessary to know the correct cutting speed and feed rate? The reasons are varied. If a higher than
necessary speed is used, it can cause the tool to wear out, break, or chatter. These can all be dangerous
situations. In addition, the quality of the finished product can be affected. When working with wood, a high feed
rate may cause the motor to bog down; however, if the feed rate is too low, the tool may burn the wood. Some
metals may fuse to the tool if a slow feed rate is used, and the same metals may overheat and cause the tool to
heat up if the feed rate is too high.

In this activity you will practice calculating the cutting speed required for aluminum or steel when utilizing varying
diameters of tools. You will also calculate the feed rate for a specific scenario.

Equipment
Pencil
Calculator

Procedure
Use the following formulas to calculate the necessary spindle speeds and feed rates based on the tool diameter
and type of material being machined. All calculations will be determined for high speed steel cutting tools (HSS).

CS ​•​ 12
π​d

CS = cutting speed (measured in feet per minute)

d = tool diameter (part diameter on the lathe)

F​m​ = f​t​ ​•​ n​t​ ​•​ N

F​m​ = feed rate in inches per minute

f​t​ = feed in inches per tooth (obtained from a Machinists’ handbook)
n​t​ = number of cutting teeth on the tool
N = spindle speed (CS • 12 / πd)

Cutting speeds for high speed steel cutting tools

Aluminum – 250 fpm
Steel – 90 fpm

Stock Material Tool Diameter (inches) Spindle Speed

1909.85
Aluminum .500
 687.55
Steel .500

7639.41
Aluminum .125 (1/8)

2750.2
Steel .125 (1/8)

15155.21
Aluminum .0625 (1/16)

5500.40
Steel .0625 (1/16)

636.62
Aluminum 1.500

229.2
Steel 1.500

Aluminum .375 (3/8) 2546.48

Calculate the feed rate when milling aluminum with a ¼ inch end mill providing that the feed per tooth is .002 in. (4
flutes).

F​m​ =​.002*4*3819.72= 30.55 ipm

CS= 250*1 /3.14*.0208333= 3819.72

Conclusion
Using the table you completed in this activity, state the range you would expect the spindle speed to be for the
following materials:

Plastic with a tool diameter of 0.5 in. ​3,000

Titanium with a tool diameter of 1/8 in.​1,000 - 2,000

How did you determine these ranges?

Since plastic is easier to cut through the range would be higher, and Titanium is harder to cut through than steel so it
would be lower.