Maslow CNC (community-driven, open-source)
Maslow CNC Feeds & Speeds Calculator
Starting feeds and speeds for the Maslow CNC, with the numbers already adjusted for its spindle range and frame. Grab a starting point from the chart, then open the live calculator to watch the cut and fine-tune it for your exact bit.
Open the live calculator for the Maslow CNCDialing in the Maslow CNC
Two things set the numbers on the Maslow CNC: how fast the User-Supplied Router spins, and how much the frame can take without chattering. It runs a working range of about 10,000 to 30,000 RPM, on chain and sled system (unique vertical design). The Maslow CNC has a lighter frame, so shallow passes and patience beat trying to hog material in one go.
So for a 1/4" two-flute bit in softwood, a sensible starting point on the Maslow CNC is around 17,000 RPM and 102 inches per minute, taking about 0.0625" per pass on a slot. The full chart below covers the materials you are most likely to cut. These are conservative starting points: always test on scrap and let your ears do the final tuning.
Maslow CNC starting feeds and speeds
Two-flute bit, slotting cut (the toughest case for clearing chips). Feed in inches per minute, depth per pass in inches.
| Material | Bit | Spindle RPM | Feed rate | Depth / pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood | 1/8" | 25,000 | 100 ipm | 0.031" |
| 1/4" | 17,000 | 102 ipm | 0.063" | |
| Hardwood | 1/8" | 30,000 | 90 ipm | 0.016" |
| 1/4" | 20,000 | 100 ipm | 0.031" | |
| Plywood / MDF | 1/8" | 25,000 | 100 ipm | 0.031" |
| 1/4" | 17,000 | 102 ipm | 0.063" | |
| Acrylic | 1/8" | 25,000 | 100 ipm | 0.023" |
| 1/4" | 13,000 | 104 ipm | 0.047" | |
| HDPE / Plastics | 1/8" | 17,000 | 102 ipm | 0.023" |
| 1/4" | 10,000 | 100 ipm | 0.047" | |
| Aluminum | 1/8" | 30,000 | 60 ipm | 0.008" |
| 1/4" | 25,000 | 100 ipm | 0.016" |
Numbers are generated by our feeds and speeds calculator using the Maslow CNC's spindle range and a light-frame rigidity factor. Aluminum needs a single flute plus lubricant. Always confirm your bit maker's chart and test on scrap.
Want to see it cut?
Open the interactive calculator loaded with the Maslow CNC. Change your bit and material, watch the cut run live, and hear the difference between a dialed-in cut and a bad one.
Open the Maslow CNC calculatorMaslow CNC feeds and speeds FAQ
What RPM should I run on a Maslow CNC?
For most wood with a 1/4" two-flute bit, 17,000 RPM is a good starting point on the Maslow CNC. Its working range is about 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. Go higher for smaller bits and finer detail, lower for big bits and heavy stock removal.
What feed rate should I use on a Maslow CNC in hardwood?
Start around 100 inches per minute with a 1/4" two-flute bit in oak or maple on the Maslow CNC, at roughly 20,000 RPM. Listen to the cut and adjust: clean chips mean you are dialed in, fine dust means you are going too slow.
Can a Maslow CNC cut aluminum?
Aluminum is a stretch for the Maslow CNC. Its frame is on the lighter side, so if you try it, use a single-flute bit, very shallow passes, lots of lubricant, and low expectations. It is happiest in wood and plastics.
Maslow CNC full review
Specs, price, and what owners actually say.
CNC chip load chart
Feed-per-tooth for every bit and material.
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