Speed and Feed Control

Because every cutting operation is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all combination of cut specs when starting a project.

We suggest that you adjust the many variables at your disposal to find the right combination for your project to optimize your cut quality and overall experience. These variables include:

• Auto Speed: The rate at which your cutter moves in the (x,y) plane when Auto Mode is engaged

• Plunge Speed: The rate at which your cutter makes initial contact with your material

• Spindle Speed: The rotational speed of your cutter

• Feed Rate: The rate at which the user is moving Origin across the workpiece 

You can adjust your Auto and Plunge Speeds by going to Cut > Speeds. You can adjust your spindle speed with the rotary dial found on the right side of your spindle housing.

You can find suggested points of departure for various materials here, and you can watch this Shaper Session for an extended discussion of materials. Note that this webinar was produced for an American audience, and consequently uses Imperial measurements

Rules of Thumb

Finding the right speeds and feeds requires a lot of experimenting. You can check with your bit manufacturer for chip load information, but remember that these recommendations are designed for large, rigid CNC machines.

That said, the following are good rules of thumb:

• Your material shouldn't be burning or melting 

• Your chips should be chips—neither chunks nor dust

  • Check with your bit manufacturer for a target chip size

• Listen to your tool. If it doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t.