Replies

1. 
   gb93433 | Mar 12, 2006 06:54am | #1

   It depends a lot on the characteristics of the wood, the operation, the shaft size, the quality of the machine and the cutter configuration.Most of the time I run that cutter about 10,000 RPM.

   The RPM of a cutter is cutting speed in feet per minute X 4 divided by the diameter.

   The cutter configuration, species of wood and type of operation will determine what RPM you use.

   If you are plunge cutting, a high RPM would burn the wood. If you are moving rather rapidly the material will help to keep the tool cool.

   It isn't unusual for a table saw with a 10" diameter saw blade spinning at 4200 RPM to cut at a cutting speed of almost 11,000 feet per minute whereas a small 14" bandaw may only cut about 3000 feet per minute.

   There are a lot of variables. Start with a safe lower RPM first if you are unsure. Too low of a RPM can be danerous too because it will have a tendency to grab the wood. Too high can be dangerous because the tool may not handle the RPM.

   Whenever I put another cutter on a machine I will only turn it on when my body is below the cutter just in case the cutetr has a problem. A problem with a cutter has been known to fly through walls.

2. 
   THintz | Mar 12, 2006 10:00am | #2

   While the manufacturer should provide this information, many choose not to for some reason.

   see the link below for a story on router bit speeds that contains a general bit speed chart provided by Infinity Tools. Keep in mind that nearly all recommended bit speeds are for the maximum speed the bit can be used at. The best working speed is often somewhat slower than that figure and best determined by you, judged by the quality of the finish and how smoothly the bit runs in your situation.

    

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/rtrbitspds.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   lokiloki1 | Mar 12, 2006 04:02pm | #3

   Thnks for the link.   I found the article to be extremely informative.  It answered a bunch of other questions I had too.