Quick question.
What is the MAX feed speed the Pro 5 with 110 spindle can handle?
In discussing with another CNC sign carver what he uses for feed speeds on HDU, he says he runs his machine at the max speed reduced a little bit.
There is probably a max feed in firmware that someone can speak to but I imagine the real answer is ~ it depends on what you’re cutting.
I assume you’ll basically never reach the firmware enforced max feed unless you’re cutting air, plastic, or wax 
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I am using HDU almost exclusively right now, which is pretty much softer than plastic.
As- delivered: 200IPM. But you can Charle the max feed rate in the GRBL settings to hit the firmware max of 275IPM.
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Oh right, basically air with a bit of plastic mixed in (I completely looked over the HDU mention 
)
Well it sounds like you’re getting a good bit of experience under your belt. When you feel you’ve got it really dialed in maybe you could update your post from a couple weeks ago 
I’ll have to get some HDU to play with for 3D carving, looks like a blast with very little chance of catastrophic failure. Oh maybe it’ll be good for painted topo maps since we can move through it so quickly! 
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The max feed speed for the Pro 5 with the 110 spindle really depends on your controller and motion system, but generally, it can handle up to 800–1,200 IPM, depending on setup and rigidity. That said, just because it can run that fast doesn’t mean it should — especially on HDU, where too high a feed can cause tear-out or poor edge quality.
I’d say your friend’s approach makes sense — running near the upper limits but backing off a bit for safety and surface finish. On HDU, I typically run 300–600 IPM depending on bit size and depth per pass, especially for detailed sign work. Always a balance between speed and quality!
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The firmware in the controller is limited to 275ipm.
Unless your running an aftermarket controller your not achieving any where near those rates. Not to mention I doubt the steppers can keep up.
As others have said factory grbl config is 200 ipm.
I run max grbl speeds of 275 ipm after changing the settings.
With my 80 mm spindle and a 1/4” Jenny bit I rough out tigerply edge 1/2” doc st 24k rpm and 275 ipm. Machine doesn’t seep to care after what should be two years of it.
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@SLCJedi @johnask @quicky06 what is the difference between your responses? I think I’ve tried to get more than 275ipm without any warnings or other indications.
As far as the 300-600 ipm…HOW? What program are you using to get that? I like those numbers 
You won’t get any warnings.
First if you try and change the max speed settings in the controller to higher than 275ipm it will save it as 275ipm and give no warning.
Second. No matter what software you use. It will out the travel speed in the g code for the operation. If that g code is higher than your max controller speed settings ( which are 200 ipm from the factory) it will run Max controller speed.
In fusion I can say I want to run 10000mph but it’s still going to stop accelerating at max contoller speed settings.
Then this doesn’t take into account that the machine can only accelerate so fast too.
If you want to test it. Create a large square. Program it for 500 ipm and run the machine with it air cutting. Watch the speed readout on the left side of carbide motion.
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Thanks! Is there any danger in running it at max speeds all the time? Can the Pro 5 handle it over extended periods of time? (Years?)
I plan on doing some contour map carving with HDU as well. Literally got a set of golf course plans today with the intent of creating some “hole in one” awards which I plan on personalizing. I’m really looking forward to it!
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Carbide would may have better information on long term.
I can tell you that after 2 years of running it with an 80mm spindle and max speeds for 30-40 hours a week. At 1/2” doc. I haven’t had any problems.
I don’t like way oil. I use grease. I add some grease to the rails and ball nuts every Sunday.
I put some anti seize on my spindle but threads once a month.
If I mill some aluminum I’ll blow everything clean. I really only use aluminum to make tooling for my self.
Other than that it just runs. Rather boring and dependable.
I can now cut in 2 hours washer would take me 13 hours on my S3Xxl with hdz and 80mm spindle. Without constant maintenance
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If you program above 200IPM (without updating the grbl settings) or 275 (after updating the grbl settings) it will just speed limit to 200/275IPM. No warnings.
I was told the speed limit is because any faster on the S5Pro (and HDM for that matter) and you go past the torque curve of the steppers. Too slow or too fast and the torque drops considerably on steppers. Then they might get over powered easier and skip steps. This was less true on the belt driven machines due to gear ratios and whatnot. When I’m cutting melty plastics at work, I actually preffer our SPro as it will feed up to 400IPM. I’ve rarely needed that as I usually use the rigidity and 80mm spindle on my S5Pro to cut deeper and with more stepover instead.
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