Bimetal Hole Saw RPM Chart
Use this bimetal hole saw RPM chart to find recommended cutting speeds for aluminum, brass, cast iron, mild steel, and stainless steel. Match the hole saw diameter to the material you are cutting to find the suggested revolutions per minute (RPM). For available sizes and options, shop our hole saws.
How to Use the Bimetal Hole Saw RPM Chart
Find your hole saw size in the first column, then read across to the material you are cutting. The number shown is the recommended rotational speed in RPM. In general, larger hole saw diameters and harder materials require lower RPMs. Use a suitable drill, secure the workpiece, and follow the hole saw manufacturer’s cutting recommendations.
Recommended Bimetal Hole Saw Speeds (RPM)
| Hole Saw Size | Aluminum | Brass | Cast Iron | Mild Steel | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/16" | 900 | 790 | 400 | 580 | 300 |
| 5/8" | 825 | 730 | 365 | 550 | 275 |
| 11/16" | 750 | 665 | 330 | 500 | 250 |
| 3/4" | 690 | 600 | 300 | 460 | 230 |
| 13/16" | 630 | 560 | 280 | 425 | 210 |
| 7/8" | 585 | 520 | 260 | 390 | 195 |
| 15/16" | 555 | 495 | 245 | 370 | 185 |
| 1" | 525 | 470 | 235 | 350 | 175 |
| 1-1/16" | 480 | 435 | 215 | 325 | 160 |
| 1-1/8" | 450 | 400 | 200 | 300 | 150 |
| 1-3/16" | 425 | 380 | 190 | 285 | 145 |
| 1-1/4" | 410 | 360 | 180 | 275 | 140 |
| 1-5/16" | 390 | 345 | 175 | 260 | 135 |
| 1-3/8" | 375 | 330 | 165 | 250 | 125 |
| 1-7/16" | 360 | 315 | 160 | 240 | 120 |
| 1-1/2" | 345 | 300 | 150 | 230 | 115 |
| 1-9/16" | 330 | 290 | 145 | 220 | 110 |
| 1-5/8" | 315 | 280 | 140 | 210 | 105 |
| 1-11/16" | 305 | 270 | 135 | 205 | 100 |
| 1-3/4" | 295 | 250 | 130 | 195 | 95 |
| 1-13/16" | 285 | 250 | 125 | 190 | 95 |
| 1-7/8" | 270 | 240 | 120 | 180 | 90 |
| 2" | 255 | 230 | 115 | 170 | 85 |
| 2-1/16" | 245 | 220 | 110 | 165 | 80 |
| 2-1/8" | 240 | 210 | 105 | 160 | 80 |
| 2-1/4" | 225 | 200 | 100 | 150 | 75 |
| 2-5/16" | 220 | 190 | 95 | 140 | 70 |
| 2-3/8" | 205 | 180 | 90 | 135 | 65 |
| 2-1/2" | 200 | 175 | 85 | 130 | 65 |
| 2-9/16" | 195 | 170 | 85 | 130 | 65 |
| 2-5/8" | 185 | 160 | 80 | 125 | 60 |
| 2-3/4" | 185 | 160 | 80 | 125 | 60 |
| 2-7/8" | 180 | 160 | 80 | 120 | 60 |
| 3" | 170 | 150 | 75 | 115 | 55 |
| 3-1/8" | 165 | 140 | 70 | 110 | 55 |
| 3-1/4" | 155 | 140 | 70 | 105 | 50 |
| 3-3/8" | 150 | 130 | 65 | 100 | 50 |
| 3-1/2" | 145 | 130 | 65 | 95 | 45 |
| 3-5/8" | 140 | 120 | 60 | 95 | 45 |
| 3-3/4" | 135 | 120 | 60 | 90 | 45 |
| 3-7/8" | 130 | 110 | 55 | 85 | 40 |
| 4" | 130 | 110 | 55 | 85 | 40 |
| 4-1/8" | 120 | 110 | 55 | 80 | 40 |
| 4-1/4" | 120 | 110 | 55 | 80 | 40 |
| 4-3/8" | 105 | 100 | 50 | 75 | 35 |
| 4-1/2" | 105 | 100 | 50 | 75 | 35 |
| 4-3/4" | 95 | 90 | 45 | 70 | 35 |
| 5" | 95 | 90 | 45 | 70 | 35 |
| 5-1/4" | 95 | 90 | 45 | 70 | 35 |
| 5-1/2" | 90 | 85 | 40 | 65 | 30 |
| 5-3/4" | 90 | 85 | 40 | 65 | 30 |
| 6" | 90 | 85 | 40 | 65 | 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bimetal Hole Saw RPM
What RPM should I use for a bimetal hole saw?
RPM depends on both the hole saw diameter and the material. Find the size and material in the chart above to identify the recommended speed.
Why does RPM decrease as hole saw size increases?
A larger diameter travels farther at its cutting edge with each revolution. Lowering the RPM helps keep the cutting speed appropriate for the larger hole saw.
Should I use a slower RPM for stainless steel?
Yes. The chart recommends lower RPMs for stainless steel than for aluminum or mild steel at the same hole saw diameter.
Can I use the same RPM for every material?
No. Aluminum, brass, cast iron, mild steel, and stainless steel have different recommended speeds. Use the column for the material being cut.
What does RPM mean on a hole saw chart?
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, the number of times the hole saw rotates in one minute. It is a speed setting, not a feed-rate measurement.
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