07/21/2026
Wrong spindle speed snaps tools and burns surfaces. The cutting speed formula gets it right every time — regardless of workpiece diameter.
CUTTING SPEED AND SPINDLE RPM FORMULA:
Spindle Speed: N (RPM) = (Vc × 1000) / (π × D)
Cutting Speed: Vc (m/min) = π × D × N / 1000
Where: Vc = recommended cutting speed | D = workpiece diameter (mm)
WORKED EXAMPLE: Mild steel | HSS tool | D=50mm | Vc=80 m/min
N = (80 × 1000) / (π × 50)
N = 80,000 / 157.1
N = 509 RPM
RECOMMENDED CUTTING SPEEDS (m/min):
Mild steel + HSS tool: 30–80 m/min
Mild steel + carbide tool: 150–300 m/min
Aluminum + HSS: 100–200 m/min
Cast iron + HSS: 20–50 m/min
Stainless steel + HSS: 15–30 m/min
Key rule: SMALLER diameter = HIGHER RPM required for the same surface speed. A 10mm drill needs 10× the RPM of a 100mm cutter running at the same cutting speed.
Save this — cutting speed calculation reference.