What is the cutting speed in FPM for a high-speed steel drill of 5/16" diameter drilling into a 2" thick block of stainless steel?

To determine the correct cutting speed in feet per minute (FPM) for a high-speed steel drill bit, several factors come into play, including the material being drilled and the diameter of the drill. Stainless steel is a tough material and requires a specific range of cutting speeds to ensure effective drilling while minimizing tool wear and heat generation.

For high-speed steel drills, the recommended cutting speeds for stainless steel typically fall within the range of 50 to 80 FPM, especially for smaller diameters such as 5/16". This range allows for efficient cutting while maintaining the integrity of the drill bit.

Using a cutting speed that is too high can lead to excessive heat buildup and premature wear, whereas a speed that is too low may result in poor cutting performance and increased wear on the drill bit as well. Therefore, the selected cutting speed of 50 to 80 FPM aligns well with best practices for drilling through stainless steel using a high-speed steel bit of that specific diameter.