Feed rates for small diameter bits

[jrlafrance]

First post on this forum! I own a CNC Piranha, with a Bosch Colt router.

I've got some fine detail things that I want to cut, but I'm afraid to try for fear of breaking my bits. I have a 1/64" diameter EM and a 1/32" diameter EM. From other people's experience, what feed rate should I use working with dark walnut. The cut depth of these bits is probably 1/16" max, but I was planning on doing a couple of passes anyways.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

James

[4DThinker]

I've used a 1/16" and 1/32" bit for some furniture models, but never braved anything smaller. I wouldn't take more than 1/2 the diameter of the bit for a pass depth. As for feed speed go ahead and use the same speed you would use for a 1/8" or 1/4" bit. Run the little bits at full router rpm though. If the bits are single flute then cut the speed in half.

[jrlafrance]

Thanks for the reply 4DThinker! I've seen you post in several different threads and see that you're pretty knowledgeable...thanks for the help!