Speeds-Feeds

Here are the cutting parameters I use as starting points for deep hole drilling. These are starting points — adjust based on the specific material, machine, and tooling. I’ve collected these numbers over years of setup work, and they save me a lot of trial and error. Cutting Speed Selection by Material Cutting speed is the first parameter I set. It directly affects tool life and hole quality. Run too fast and the tool edge breaks down. Run too slow and you risk work hardening and poor chip formation. ...

Ejector drilling parameters are different from gun drilling or BTA drilling. The speeds, feeds, and coolant settings all shift because ejector drilling uses a double-tube system with a venturi effect for chip evacuation. Here are the ranges I use after running ejector drilling on dozens of production jobs. Cutting Speed by Material Ejector drilling operates at cutting speeds similar to BTA drilling but on the lower end of the range. The double-tube design restricts coolant flow slightly, so I run 10-15% slower than BTA speeds in the same material. ...