This is my cheat sheet, do not rely upon it, but do let me know if you have good info to add to it. I use a lot of equipment at the tech shop, and having a handy dandy cheat sheet is useful rather than sorting through SBU pages

Metal Shop

Band Saw (motor/feed)

Tool, Alloy Steel, Hard bronze: 100/1-1.5
Mild Steel, Brass, Bronze: 165/2-3
Soft Brass, Hard Aluminum: 230/3-4
Aluminum: 350/4-5

  • Grinder, Chop Saw, Band Saw have no special notes
  • Drill press belts need to be scanned
  • Hot Saw is a separate sign off
  • Use the right grinder for the right task

Drill Press (rpm)

Aluminum

  • 1/8: 4200
  • 1/4: 1840
  • 1/2: 1150
  • 3/4: 540
Mild Steel
  • 1/8: 1550
  • 1/4: 540
  • 1/2: 440
  • 3/4: 260
Stainless Steel
  • 1/8: 490
  • 1/4: 300
  • 1/2: 150
  • 3/4: 500

Milling Machine, Lathe

Milling

RPM=CS*4/D

Machinists Calculator: http://www.calculatoredge.com/mech/lathop.htm

Lathe tips:
Cut Depth: max 0.1" for nylon, 0.0005-0.001 for hard metals like steel
Feed Rate = cutting speed / spindle speed

Lathe

  • (Metal) (HSS) / (Carbide)
  • Steel (tough): 50-60 /
  • Mild Steel: 100-125 /
  • Cast Iron: 60-80 /
  • Bronzes: 80-150 /
  • Brass (soft): 45-60 / 150-200
  • Aluminum: 75-105 / 250-350

Laser, and Plastics

45 watt power

Notes, plastic stuffs

*Note: 60% max raster speed for most items

60 watt power

Sheet Metal and Welding

CNC

Wood Shop