Filter
Top Products
-26-
Model G0795 (Mfd. Since 02/15)
Setting Spindle
Speed
Using the correct spindle speed is important for
safe and satisfactory results, as well as maximiz-
ing tool life.
To set the spindle speed for your operation, you
will need to (1) determine the best spindle speed
for the cutting task, and (2) configure the spindle
speed levers to produce the required speed.
Determining Spindle Speed
Many variables affect the optimum spindle speed
to use for any given operation, but the two most
important are the recommended cutting speed
for the workpiece material and the diameter of
the cutting tool, as noted in the formula shown in
Figure 24.
Cutting speed, typically defined in feet per minute
(FPM), is the speed at which the edge of a tool
moves across the material surface.
A recommended cutting speed is an ideal speed
for cutting a type of material in order to produce
the desired finish and optimize tool life.
The books Machinery’s Handbook or Machine
Shop Practice, and some internet sites, pro-
vide excellent recommendations for which cutting
speeds to use when calculating the spindle speed.
These sources also provide a wealth of additional
information about the variables that affect cutting
speed and they are a good educational resource.
Also, there are a large number of easy-to-use
spindle speed calculators that can be found on
the internet. These sources will help you take into
account the applicable variables in order to deter-
mine the best spindle speed for the operation.
Cutting Speed (FPM) x 12
*Recommended
Tool Dia. (in inches) x 3.14
=
Spindle
Speed
(RPM)
*Double if using carbide cutting tool
Figure 24. Spindle speed formula for mill/drills.
Change spindle speed ONLY when the
spindle is completely stopped. Otherwise,
machine damage could occur.
Figure 25. Spindle speed controls.
High/Low
Range Knob
Spindle Speed
Knob
Setting Spindle Speed
Use the chart below or the one on the headstock
when setting the spindle speed. With the spindle
completely stopped, position the high/low range
and spindle speed knobs as indicated by the
spindle speed chart (see Figure 25) to set the
desired spindle RPM.
Note: If necessary, rotate the spindle a little by
hand to mesh the gears when changing speeds.
Spindle Speed High/Low
Range Lever
Spindle
Speed Lever
115 RPM L 1
220 RPM L 2
320 RPM L 3
600 RPM H 1
1120 RPM H 2
1700 RPM H 3