Cutting Speed Calculator

This calculator gives guideline cutting speeds for a specified diameter. Slide the diameter back and forth and the table will update for the various materials. You can also enter a custom surface speed in metres per minute and see the cutting speed in RPM for the specified diameter.

The table at the bottom shows the values of surface speed (in metres per minute) that are used for the calculation of the values (in RPM) in the top table.

Cutter / Work-piece Diameter (millimetres): 12.0
Custom Surface Speed (metres per minute):
Custom Speed (RPM): 531

Speeds in RPM:

MaterialTurning HSSTurning CarbideDrilling HSSMilling HSSMilling Carbide
Mild Steel531–9282387–3581531–796531–9281989–3448
Aluminium3979–47758886–9682796–31833979–47758886–9682
Free Machining Brass2387–27854775–53051326–14592387–27854775–5305
Other Brass & Bronze1592–19893979–4377928–10611592–19893979–4377
Copper & Phosphor Bronze796–9281592–1724531796–9281592–1724
Wood & Plastic1592–39793979–11937531–238731834775–11937
Stainless Steel531–9281857–3183398–663398–7961592–3050

Speeds in Metres / Minute:

MaterialTurning HSSTurning CarbideDrilling HSSMilling HSSMilling Carbide
Mild Steel20–3590–13520–3020–3575–130
Aluminium150–180335–36530–120150–180335–365
Free Machining Brass90–105180–20050–5590–105180–200
Other Brass & Bronze60–75150–16535–4060–75150–165
Copper & Phosphor Bronze30–3560–652030–3560–65
Wood & Plastic60–150150–45020–90120180–450
Stainless Steel20–3570–12015–2515–3060–115

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