Carbide Tipped Hole Cutter RPM Chart
Use this carbide tipped hole cutter RPM chart to find recommended cutting speeds for mild steel and stainless steel. Match the hole cutter diameter to the material you are drilling, then use the corresponding revolutions per minute (RPM) as a starting point. Proper spindle speed helps support efficient cutting and longer cutter life.
Carbide tipped hole cutters are designed for cutting holes in metal. Browse our Carbide Tipped Hole Cutters to find the diameter you need.
How to Use This RPM Chart
Find your cutter size in the first column, then read across to the recommended RPM for mild steel or stainless steel. Larger cutters generally require lower RPMs. Actual cutting conditions may require adjustments based on machine rigidity, material hardness, cutter design, and manufacturer guidance.
| Hole Cutter Size | Mild Steel RPM | Stainless Steel RPM | Hole Cutter Size | Mild Steel RPM | Stainless Steel RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8" | 960 | 655 | 2-11/16" | 230 | 155 |
| 11/16" | 870 | 595 | 2-3/4" | 230 | 155 |
| 3/4" | 800 | 550 | 2-13/16" | 230 | 155 |
| 13/16" | 740 | 510 | 2-7/8" | 200 | 135 |
| 7/8" | 690 | 475 | 2-15/16" | 200 | 135 |
| 15/16" | 600 | 415 | 3" | 200 | 135 |
| 1" | 600 | 415 | 3-1/16" | 200 | 135 |
| 1-1/16" | 565 | 385 | 3-1/8" | 200 | 135 |
| 1-1/8" | 535 | 370 | 3-3/16" | 200 | 135 |
| 1-3/16" | 485 | 330 | 3-1/4" | 200 | 135 |
| 1-1/4" | 485 | 330 | 3-5/16" | 200 | 135 |
| 1-5/16" | 460 | 310 | 3-3/8" | 200 | 135 |
| 1-3/8" | 435 | 300 | 3-7/16" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-7/16" | 420 | 285 | 3-1/2" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-1/2" | 400 | 275 | 3-9/16" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-9/16" | 400 | 275 | 3-5/8" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-5/8" | 400 | 275 | 3-11/16" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-11/16" | 340 | 235 | 3-3/4" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-3/4" | 340 | 235 | 3-13/16" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-13/16" | 340 | 235 | 3-7/8" | 165 | 110 |
| 1-7/8" | 340 | 235 | 3-15/16" | 145 | 100 |
| 1-15/16" | 300 | 205 | 4" | 145 | 100 |
| 2" | 300 | 205 | 4-1/16" | 145 | 100 |
| 2-1/16" | 280 | 190 | 4-1/8" | 145 | 100 |
| 2-1/8" | 280 | 190 | 4-3/16" | 145 | 100 |
| 2-3/16" | 265 | 180 | 4-1/4" | 145 | 100 |
| 2-1/4" | 265 | 180 | 4-5/16" | 145 | 100 |
| 2-5/16" | 250 | 170 | 4-3/8" | 130 | 90 |
| 2-3/8" | 250 | 170 | 4-7/16" | 130 | 90 |
| 2-7/16" | 240 | 165 | 4-1/2" | 130 | 90 |
| 2-1/2" | 240 | 165 | 4-9/16" | 130 | 90 |
| 2-9/16" | 230 | 155 | 4-5/8" | 130 | 90 |
| 2-5/8" | 230 | 155 | 4-11/16" | 130 | 90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What RPM should I use for a carbide tipped hole cutter?
Choose the RPM based on the cutter diameter and workpiece material using the chart above. Use the values as starting recommendations and follow the cutter manufacturer’s instructions.
Should I use a different RPM for stainless steel?
Yes. The chart recommends lower RPMs for stainless steel than for mild steel at the same cutter diameter.
Why do larger hole cutters run at lower RPMs?
A larger diameter travels farther at the cutting edge with each revolution, so a lower RPM helps maintain a suitable cutting speed.
Can I use this chart for bimetal hole saws?
No. This chart is for carbide tipped hole cutters. Bimetal hole saws have different recommended speeds. See our Bimetal Hole Saw RPM Chart.
How can I improve hole cutter performance?
Secure the workpiece, keep the cutter square to the surface, use appropriate cutting fluid where recommended, and avoid excessive pressure. Follow your machine and cutter manufacturers’ operating instructions.
Related Resources
Compare speeds using our Bimetal Hole Saw RPM Chart, or shop carbide tipped hole cutters.