Can anyone give me real speeds and feeds for MDF 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch thick? How much can i plunge? I will be using 1/8 and 1/4 bits… im trying to get it done as fast and as safe as i can.
We have MDF in the official charts:
http://docs.carbide3d.com/support/#tooling-support
The metric version:
Carbide 3D Shapeoko 3 (MDF)
DOC: 7.62 mm
RPM: 17000 (Dial setting: Dewalt: 1, Makita: 2.75)
Tool: 1/4" #201 square or #202 ball
Feed: 2032 mm/min
Plunge: 762 mm/min
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Thank you sir. I know these are the normal ones i was wondering what others have tried over and above these.
They work well… There’s no secret handshake here for the -real- answer 
If you check out the link I provided, you’ll find a collection of numbers and links which should represent all the instances I could find. If you find more, or work up new numbers, please post them and we’ll get them linked up.
One thing to consider w/ any feed and speed numbers is that one should do test cuts:
http://www.precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm
I think the speeds and feeds from Carbide 3D are very accurate on the shapeoko with a stock spindle from my experience.
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thanks Nick. ill be using the Makita for now but will be upgrading to a 1.5KW watercooled soon.
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