Chipload Calculator

Struggling to determine proper feed and speed?

For Circular Saw Blades, please refer to the detailed guidelines here.

For Router Tooling, please remain here and keep reading:

The chart below provides the suggested chip load starting range typical for material type and tool diameter in use. This calculator provides a starting reference range only for shank tools and is based on cutting depth being equal to cutting diameter of the tool. Depending on depth of cut, this range needs to be further modified as follows:

If Cut depth 2x Tool Diameter, reduce the given chip load by 20-25%
If Cut depth 3x Tool Diameter, reduce the given chip load by 40-50%

Noteworthy Information: The values in this chart apply to standard compression tools. If using a down cut spiral bit for dados or grooves, use the same formula but reduce the feed rate by 30%.

For plastic bits, run tools at a lower rpm, (i.e. +/- 14,000) and consult the plastic chip load recommendations.

Here is an excellent article “Factors on Factoring Chip Load” written by Ted Bruning, a woodworker and college instructor, with points that will resonate with most machinists.

To learn from other seasoned woodworkers experience and trials, join the conversation about chipload on the wood industry forum, www.woodweb.com!

PLEASE INPUT YOUR OWN APPLICABLE VALUES INTO THE RESPECTIVE FEED RATE / UNITS / RPM AND NUMBER OF FLUTES FIELDS AND THE CHIP LOAD WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE CALCULATED IN THE RED CHIP LOAD RESULT FIELD.

To determine the optimum chip load for tool life/finish quality and further fine-tune your machining parameters for optimum tool life based on material and tool, please refer to Pg 47 of our CNC Tooling Guide