1060 – 12 – Figuring Out the Right Speed & Feed

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Saw blade manufacturers create speed and feed recommendations for different types of material. Speed and feed are determined by the machinability of the material and the amount of heat created during a sawing operation. When speed and feed are set too high, the blade will typically strip the teeth off, thus rendering it useless. Another area of failure is heat. Excessive heat can harden the material, making it impossible to cut. Chips may even weld themselves into the gullet. If speeds and feeds are too low, it can take longer to make cuts and can cause wear and tear on the blade.

Chip formations tend to point to the proper speed and feed. A fine, warm, curled chip is best. If speed and feed are too great, then the chip will be heavy and charred. If they are thin and powdered, feed and speed must be brought up to a proper level.

Lower speeds are most effective at cutting harder materials and high speeds are better for cutting softer materials. At the same time, higher speeds require lower feeds and higher feeds require lower speed.