Speeds and Feeds calculator

A drilling speeds and feeds calculator is vital if you want to drill metal efficiently.

Due to the fact that different metals heat up faster than others you will see that recommended drilling speeds vary. For example you will see the drilling speed for stainless steel is lower than many other metals. When drilling stainless steel it is very important not to drill too fast. Drilling stainless steel too fast and for too long will cause the stainless steel to ‘work harden’. This will make the metal even harder to drill through.

Also larger drill bit sizes generate more friction and therefore more heat. For this reason you will see that the speed and feed varies from size to size.

Drill speed chart

Because most of us do not drill metal in a production situation we are unable to control exact speeds and feeds. Therefore the following speeds and feeds calculator charts should be used as a guidelines.