Shop tools
Chip Load Calculator
Dial in RPM, feed rate and chip load for CNC routing — by material, tool diameter, flute count and operation. Practical starting parameters, free to use.
These are starting recommendations. Actual cutting conditions vary with tooling, machine rigidity, material, workholding and other factors — always verify against your tool manufacturer’s limits and adjust for the cut in front of you.
Calculator
Cut setup
Material tips
Machine limits 24,000 RPM
Advanced overrides
Override fields are optional. Leave blank for automatic recommendations based on material and tool selection.
Your tooling
Recommended match
Recommended cutter
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Availability note
Links go to US Router Tools — browse available sizes and place an order.
Results
Recommended parameters
Starting pointRPM
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Feed rate
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Chip load
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Depth of cut
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Stepover
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Plunge rate
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Surface speed
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MRR
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Feed / rev
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Fine tune
BalancedEffective chip load
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How chip load works
Chip load — also called feed per tooth — is how much material each cutting edge removes per revolution. Too low and the tool rubs instead of cutting, building heat and dulling the edge; too high and you overload the bit. The right window keeps the cut cool, clears chips, and extends tool life.
The calculator works from the same relationship shops have used for decades, then layers in material-specific ranges, cutter geometry, machine limits and a finish-vs-productivity bias to give you a sensible starting point:
feed rate (IPM) = RPM × flutes × chip load
Pick your material, tool and operation above and it back-solves for RPM, feed rate and chip load together — plus depth of cut, stepover, plunge rate, surface speed and material removal rate.
Meet the creator
Built by Collin — a gift for his dad
Hello, my name is Collin. For the last five years I have been building CNC machines for many applications. Even before that, I worked with my father, who originally owned CAMaster all those years ago before he sold it in 2012 (ish). Most fathers and sons work on cars in their spare time; for us, it was machines.
Something I have always admired about my father is that even if it doesn’t benefit him, he will always help others. That is why I made this free, easy-to-use calculator—so that one day I will be remembered in the same way.
Dad, this is something I’ve always wanted to make for you since your old app went offline. I never really thanked you for all the knowledge you imparted to me, nor all the time you spent trying to get me interested in the industry, nor the pain you went through in this business to take care of me and our family. I hope this makes up for some of it. I love you, Dad.
— Please enjoy.
Ready to put it to work?
These numbers run best on a rigid, American-built machine. See the lineup, or tell us what you make and we’ll spec the router to match.