LaymarCrafts Woodturning Information

 

Forstner Bit Cutting Speeds

Forstner Bit's and other Large Hole Cutting Bit's when used in Wood should not be Run at too higher speed, the Table below gives the recommended speeds for use in Hardwood.

 

Diameter of Bit
mm

Diameter of Bit
inches

Lathe Speed  min-1
25 1 500
30 1¼

450
35 13/8 400
40 1½ 350
45 1¾ 300
50 2 250
55 2¼ 240
60 23/8 230
65 2½ 210
70 2¾ 190
75 3 175
80 3¼ 160
85 33/8 145
90 3½ 130
95 3¾ 115
100 4 100

These are only the recommended speeds to use, if you have a typical 4 or 5 speed Lathe you will not be able to match every increment, where as with a Variable Speed Lathe you will have the ability to do so. I would always use the nearest Lowest Speed of the Lathe applicable to the Size of Bit above.

I have this small chart Laminated and fixed to the wall by the Lathe for easy reference.

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Last update 16 July 2007
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