MachineCalcs

Cutting Speed Chart (SFM by Material)

Cutting speed (surface feet per minute) is how fast the cutting edge moves across the work; it sets spindle RPM via RPM = (SFM × 12) ÷ (π × diameter). Carbide runs roughly 2–4× the speed of HSS. Use these as starting points — about 800 SFM for aluminum, 350 for mild steel and 200 for stainless with carbide — then tune for depth of cut, feed and rigidity.

Rows
10
Columns
6
Reviewed
June 1, 2026

These are baseline turning speeds. Milling and drilling, coated tooling, high-feed strategies and flood coolant all shift them. To turn a cutting speed into spindle RPM for your tool or work diameter, use the SFM calculator.

Typical single-point turning cutting speeds.
Material HSS (SFM) HSS (m/min) Carbide (SFM) Carbide (m/min) Notes
Aluminum 300 91 800 244 Free-machining; high speeds, watch built-up edge.
Brass 200 61 600 183 Free-cutting brass; very machinable.
Bronze 120 37 350 107 Harder than brass.
Cast iron (gray) 60 18 200 61 Abrasive; carbide preferred.
Mild steel (1018) 90 27 350 107 General low-carbon steel.
Alloy steel (4140) 60 18 250 76 Heat-treatable; lower when hardened.
Stainless (304) 50 15 200 61 Work-hardens; keep feed up, avoid dwelling.
Tool steel 45 14 175 53 Hard; reduce speed as hardness rises.
Titanium 35 11 150 46 Low speed; heat builds fast.
Plastic 400 122 800 244 Sharp tools; clear chips.

Source: Standard machining references (Machinery's Handbook turning-speed tables; common shop practice). Verify against your tooling maker's data.

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