SPEEDS & FEEDS FOR CARBIDE BURRS

Carbide burrs should typically be run at
1,500 - 3,000 Surface Feet Per Minute (SFPM)

SFPM = (RPM) (3.14) (DIAMETER) divided by 12

RPM = (SFPM) (12) divided by (3.14) (DIAMETER)

The following are general speed recommendations and may need to be adjusted to your specific application.

Carbide burrs and carbide rotary files, like high speed steel burrs and rotary files, are safest when used with the shank all the way into the collet and only the head is exposed.

Extreme care should be exercised when the head of the burr extends farther out. Too much pressure or too much speed might cause the shank to vibrate or bend while the burr is spinning, or teeth to break.

Carbide burrs up to 1/8" (3mm) diameter may be run at speeds up to 75,000 RPM, depending on the material being cut and amount of shank exposed. Go slower if the shank is exposed.

Extra long carbide burrs should be run 25% slower than a standard burr

Carbide burrs ranging in size from 3/16" (4.75mm) diameter to 3/8" (9.5mm) diameter, a 30,000 RPM die grinder is recommended.

Carbide burrs ranging in size from 1/4" (6.3mm) diameter to 1/2" (12.5mm) diameter can usually be run effectively with a 22,000 RPM die grinder.

1/8" (3mm) diameter: 45,000 - 90,000 RPM
1/4" (6mm) diameter: 23,000 - 45,000 RPM
1/4” (6mm) x 6” long: 17,000 – 33,000 RPM
3/8" (10mm) diameter: 15,000 - 30,000 RPM
1/2" (12mm) diameter: 11,000 - 22,000 RPM
3/4" (20mm) diameter: 7,500 - 15,000 RPM
1" (25mm) diameter: 5,500 - 10,000 RPM

If the shank is exposed, slow it down

Carbide burrs, like all cutting tools, are dangerous. Use caution when using any cutting tool, and always wear appropriate eye protection and safety equipment. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended speeds and feeds for any cutting tools.

Never, ever, grab a spinning burr. Let the burr come to a complete stop before touching it. The fingers you save may be your own.

ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN USING A CARBIDE BURR