Choosing Speeds, Using the Drill Bit Speed Chart

Choosing Speeds

Using the Drill Bit Speed Chart

The chart shown in Figure 15 is intended as a guide only. Always follow the manufacturer's speed recommendations if provided with your drill bits, cutters, or hole saws. Exceeding the recom- mended speeds may put the operator in danger.

The speeds shown here are intended to get you started. The optimum speed will always depend on various factors, including tool diameter, drilling pressure, material hardness, material quality, and desired finish.

Some type of lubrication is often necessary to drill materials other than wood.

Lubrication Suggestions

Wood & Cast Iron	........................................None
Plastics	Soapy Water
Brass	Water-Based Lubricant
Aluminum	Paraffin-Based Lubricant
Mild Steel	Oil-Based Lubricant

Larger bits turning at slower speeds tend to grab the workpiece aggressively. This can result in the operator's hand being pulled into the bit or the workpiece being thrown with great force. Always clamp the workpiece to the table to prevent injuries.

Twist/Brad Point Drill Bits	Soft Wood Hard Wood Plastic Brass Aluminum Mild Steel
1/16" – 3/16"	3000	2500	2500	2500	3000	2500
13/64" – 3/8"	2000	1500	2000	1250	2500	1250
25/64" – 5/8"	1500	750	1500	750	1500	600
11/16" – 1"	750	500	1000	400	1000	350
Spade/Forstner Bits	Soft Wood Hard Wood Plastic Brass Aluminum Mild Steel
1/4" – 1/2"	2000	1500
9/16" – 1"	1500	1250
1-1/8" – 1-7/8"	1000	750
2–3"	500	350
Hole Saws	Soft Wood Hard Wood Plastic Brass Aluminum Mild Steel
1/2" – 7/8"	500	500	600	600	600	500
1" – 1-7/8"	400	400	500	500	500	400
2" – 2-7/8"	300	300	400	400	400	300
3" – 3-7/8"	200	200	300	300	300	200
4" – 5"	100	100	200	200	200	100
Rosette Cutters	Soft Wood Hard Wood Plastic Brass Aluminum Mild Steel
Carbide Insert Type	350	250
One-Piece Type	1800	500
Tenon/Plug Cutters	Soft Wood Hard Wood Plastic Brass Aluminum Mild Steel
3/8" – 1/2"	1200	1000
5/8" – 1"	800	600

Figure 15. Cutting tool speed chart.

G9749 Variable Speed Drill Press

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