How fast can a bit cut

[camcam]

Hello,

I am thinking about building a faster wood router CNC, my current machine is cutting at 10 to 20 ipm. My question is how fast can I run for example a 1/4" spiral up cut bit? Will it be worthwhile to do so or will a fater cut mean I will have to remove less material per pass?

Wondering what my limits should be.

Thanks!

[ger21]

Your spindle power will limit your speed. Commercial machines can cut at 600-1000 ipm with 1/4" bits. 3/4" deep in one pass, too.

[DareBee]

How much wood can a Woodchuck chuck?

[camcam]

Well I guess spindle power would have a lot to do with it. So how would these compare roughly?

2 HP Router
10 HP Router
Spindle at 30,000 RPM

[bp092]

30,000 RPM? I wouldn't really cut wood over 20krpm, usually with 1/4" or 3/8" spirals 18,000 RPM is best. Anything over a 3hp router and you would be talking a spindle with a vfd. Who makes a 10hp var speed router ? Also those specs are a bit vague, it all depends on the router/spindle itself. Post some examples, specific ones.

[LeeWay]

Once you get a spindle that won't bog down when cutting fast, the machine and the rest of it's components will also factor in as well as material being cut. There is no real simple answer for how fast I can cut. The entire package has to be considered.

My PC690 cuts lexan @ 150 IPM, but only @ about .1" DOC. It will cut full depth in 3/16" but the cuts aren't as nice with a 2 flute 3/16" carbide bit.
That is full speed on the router.