Carbide Tipped Milling Cutters and Slitting Saws

Milling Cutters and slitting saws (also called side milling cutters) are used to mill slots and grooves. Below is a link to the recommended starting speeds and feeds for carbide tipped milling cutters and slitting saws.  Please note that these are starting recommendations only.  Factors such as machine, fixture and tooling rigidity, horsepower available, coolant application and others will affect the performance significantly.  Please read machine operators instructions and use all safety shields and glasses before performing these operations.

Milling Speeds and Feeds




Carbide Tipped Reamers
A reamer is used to finish machine a previously formed hole to an exact diameter with a smooth finish.  It should not be used to significantly enlarge a hole.  Carbide tipped reamers are especially appropriate for close tolerance reaming.  Because carbide is very highly resistant to wear, the reamer will produce accurate hole size and a smooth finish far longer than high speed steel or cobalt.

Reaming Speeds and Feeds



Carbide Tipped Drills

• Drills are end cutting tools used to produce holes when rapid removal of material is desired.

• Use the shortest drill available for accurate hole location and minimum runout for maximum tool life.

• Non-coolant fed drills (conventional twist drills) are generally effective in holes up to 3 tool diameters deep. Peck cycles should be used for deeper holes to achieve better chip evacuation.

• Coolant fed drills should be used for production drilling of holes greater than 3 tool diameters deep.

• Coolant fed drills offer higher penetration rates, reduced cycle times, and straighter/rounder holes with better finishes.

• If non-centering drill is used, we recommend using a spotting drill for improved hole location.

• Spotting drill’s point angle should be greater than production drill’s point angle to prevent edge chipping and to ensure accurate hole location.

Drilling Speeds and Feeds

Drill Selection Guide