CNC Machining Guide
CNC Feeds and Speeds for Wood: Complete Settings Table
By Elena Rostova
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Updated October 2026
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7 min read
⚡ Golden Rule for Wood:
In short, If your wood workpiece smells like it's burning or you see scorch marks, you are feeding TOO SLOW, not too fast! When the cutter spins without taking a hearty chip, friction creates intense heat that dulls carbide flutes in minutes. Maintain proper chip load to carry the heat away inside the wood chip.
The Chip Load Formula
To calculate your linear feed rate, CNC machinists use this fundamental equation:
Feed Rate (mm/min) = Spindle RPM × Number of Flutes × Chip Load (mm/tooth)
For a 1/4" (6.35mm) 2-flute carbide end mill in hardwood at 18,000 RPM with a target chip load of 0.10mm:
Feed Rate = 18,000 × 2 × 0.10 = 3,600 mm/min (~142 IPM)
Wood Cutting Parameters Table (1/4" End Mill)
| Wood Material | Spindle RPM | Feed Rate (mm/min) | Feed Rate (IPM) | Plunge Rate | Max Pass Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood (Pine, Cedar) | 18,000 | 4,500 – 5,400 | 175 – 210 IPM | 2,200 mm/min | 6.35 mm (1.0x D) |
| Hardwood (Oak, Walnut, Maple) | 16,000 | 3,200 – 3,800 | 125 – 150 IPM | 1,300 mm/min | 4.75 mm (0.75x D) |
| MDF & Particle Board | 18,000 | 4,200 – 5,000 | 165 – 195 IPM | 2,100 mm/min | 6.35 mm (1.0x D) |
| Baltic Birch Plywood | 16,000 | 3,500 – 4,200 | 135 – 165 IPM | 1,400 mm/min | 4.75 mm (0.75x D) |
Upcut vs Downcut vs Compression Spirals
- Upcut Spiral: Pulls chips UP toward the vacuum hose. Great chip evacuation, but tears out delicate top grain on plywood veneer.
- Downcut Spiral: Pushes chips DOWN into the cut. Leaves a laser-crisp top surface with zero grain splintering. Ideal for shallow engraving and pocketing.
- Compression Bit: Upcut flutes on the tip, downcut flutes on the shank. Gives splinter-free cuts on BOTH the top and bottom of laminated plywood sheets.