Drill Speed & Feed Calculator
Optimize your drilling operations. This tool calculates the recommended spindle speed (RPM) and feed rate for your drilling application, essential for machinists and CNC operators.
Drilling Parameters
Select the material and enter your tool's details to find the optimal settings.
The Machinist's Dilemma: Speed vs. Feed
In machining, "speeds and feeds" refers to two critical parameters: the cutting speed (how fast the tool rotates) and the feed rate (how quickly the tool advances into the material). Finding the right balance is key to efficient and high-quality machining. Running a drill too fast can burn it out, while running it too slow can be inefficient and cause poor chip evacuation. An incorrect feed rate can break the tool or result in a poor surface finish. This calculator helps determine a safe and effective starting point.
Key Formulas and Terms
- Surface Feet per Minute (SFM): An industry-standard value representing the ideal speed at which a cutting tool should move across a material's surface. This value is different for each material.
- Spindle Speed (RPM): Revolutions Per Minute. This is how fast the drill spins. Formula: `RPM = (SFM * 12) / (π * Drill Diameter in inches)`.
- Chip Load: The thickness of the material removed by each cutting edge (flute) of the drill in one revolution. This value is typically provided by the tool manufacturer.
- Feed Rate: How fast the drill is plunged into the material, usually measured in millimeters per minute (mm/min). Formula: `Feed Rate = RPM * Chip Load * Number of Flutes`.