Speed/Feed/Depth for Solid Wood

[SteveS]

My sheet good question has given me good direction, now my question is about solid wood.

I'd like some feedback on the following.

According to information from Whiteside, calculated feed rates are good for for a depth of cut equal to the tool cutting (CED) diameter. If the depth of cut is 2 times CED, reduce chipload in feed calculation by 25%. For depth of cut at 3 times CED, reduce chipload by 50%.

So, Whiteside carbide chipload for 3/8" CED, 2 flute compression bit is 0.016" to 0.022". Lower value for softest wood and upper value for hardest wood.

Given this, for 3/8" CED at 3/8" depth; 14,000 x 0.022 = 616 ipm (red oak)

Then, for 3/8" CED at 3/4" depth (2 x CED); 14,000 x 0.0165 (75%) = 462 ipm

And then, for 3/8" CED at 1.25" depth (3 x CED); 14,000 x 0.011 (50%) = 308 ipm

Whiteside recommends cutting in multiple passes rather than 3 time CED.

I've used Whiteside for a number of years and have been very satisfied with them. The value for the cost has been excellent. I have not to this point tried twice the CED with them or over 100 ipm. Would another brand, such as Vortex be expected to give any different performance in solid wood? Does a single flute make any sense for solid wood, like Vortex 3030?

Steve.

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[ger21]

Hardwood is a very different animal than sheet goods. Machine rigidity and work holding are extremely important if you want quality cuts.
I use a Vortex 1340, and make 1/4" doc roughing passes, leaving .015" for a full depth finish pass. If you are holding your parts very securely, and don't mind a tool change, you could rough with something like a Vortex 5050, which will allow a much deeper depth of cut.