Our chip load chart is ONLY A STARTING POINT for selecting a feed rate.

The chip load refers to the amount of material removed by the tool's edge during cutting. Calculating the chip load is essential in the quick and efficient set-up of machinery.

TOOL DIAMETER	HARD WOOD	SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD	MDF/ PARTICLE BOARD
1/8"	.003"-.005"	.004"-.006"	.004"-.007"
1/4"	.009"-.011"	.009"-.013"	.013"-.016"
3/8"	.015"-.018"	.017"-.020"	.020"-.023"
1/2"+	.019"-.021"	.021"-.023"	.025"-.027"
TOOL DIAMETER	HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE	PHENOLIC/ PAPERSTONE	SOLID SURFACE
1/8"	.003"-.005"		.002"-.004"
1/4"	.009"-.012"	.004"-.006"	.006"-.009"
3/8"	.015"-.018"	.006"-.008"	.008"-.010"
1/2"+	.023"-.025"	.010"-.012"	.010"-.012"
TOOL DIAMETER	HARD PLASTIC	SOFT PLASTIC	ACRYLIC
1/8"	.002"-.004"	.003"-.006"	.003"-.005"
1/4"	.006"-.009"	.007"-.010"	.008"-.010"
3/8"	.008"-.010"	.010"-.012"	.010"-.012"
1/2"+	.010"-.012"	.012"-.016"	.012"-.015"

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RPM Formulas

Chip Load = Feed Rate (inches per minute) / (RPM x number of flutes)

Feed Rate = RPM x number of flutes x Chip Load

RPM = Feed Rate / (number of flutes x Chip Load)

Metric Conversion: Divide inches per minute by 39.374

The calculations from these formulas are for the material thickness of average size for cutting tool length. These calculations are only recommendations and do not accommodate all circumstances.

Therefore, tooling damage may still occur, and the use of these calculations does not warranty against tool damage.

Selecting an RPM

Selecting the lowest RPM possible for each application is ideal for reducing wear on cutting tools. Armada recommends 10,000 and 20,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) when using the majority of our cutting tools. As you know, the higher the RPM, the cleaner the finished cut. It is important to remember the higher the RPM, the more friction on the tool, causing excess wear on the cutting edge.

MATERIALS

Armada Tools manufactures all the cutting tools using submicron-grain carbide to extend the sharpening life. Armada submicron-grain carbide provides better rigidity and is extremely heat resistant when used for high-speed applications.

MATRIX COATING

Add matrix coating on any Armada Cutting Tools. Prevent edge build-up and resist sticking with this coating. Matrix coating is precisely engineered to create a longer life by about 30-40%.