Terms of Use

Every number CNC ToolKit produces — feed rate, RPM, depth of cut, chipload, plunge rate — is a starting point, not an instruction. Materials vary, bits vary, machines vary, and dozens of real-world factors (workholding rigidity, dust collection, cutter wear, ambient temperature) shift what your specific setup can handle.

Always verify with a conservative test cut on scrap before running production work. Listen to the cut. Watch for chatter, deflection, smoke, melted plastic, or burnt wood. Adjust before you commit to a real workpiece.

CNC ToolKit is provided “as is” with no warranty of any kind, express or implied. That includes — but is not limited to — warranties of accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, and noninfringement.

The calculator's output may be wrong. Data may be out of date. Edge cases may produce values your machine cannot safely run. You use the tool at your own risk.

The author is not responsible for any damage or harm arising from use of CNC ToolKit's recommendations, including:

• Broken or chipped cutting tools
• Ruined workpieces or wasted material
• Damage to spindles, routers, machines, or workholding
• Personal injury, including from broken bits, ejected workpieces, or moving parts
• Damage to property, vehicles, or surroundings

The full risk of operating a CNC machine is yours. By using this tool, you accept that the author has no liability for any loss, damage, or injury connected to its use.

You are responsible for safe operation of your machine. That means:

• Wearing appropriate PPE — eye protection at minimum, hearing protection for routers
• Secure workholding — clamps, vacuum tables, tape-and-glue, or whatever your setup requires
• Adequate dust collection, especially when cutting wood, MDF, or composites
• Following your machine and bit manufacturer's documentation, safety bulletins, and recommended limits
• Keeping bystanders, pets, and yourself out of the path of the spindle and any potential ejecta
• Maintaining your machine — checking belts, V-wheels, ballscrews, collets, and runout

CNC ToolKit aggregates community-validated data, but it does not replace the documentation that came with your bit or machine. Always cross-check the calculator's output against the bit manufacturer's published chipload range and the machine manufacturer's recommended cutting parameters where available.

If the manufacturer's spec disagrees with the calculator, trust the manufacturer's spec for their specific tool or machine.

Chipload, machine, router, and material data in CNC ToolKit are aggregated from a mix of manufacturer specifications, community forums, manufacturer spec sheets, and user-reported cut data. Sources are listed on the Methodology page.

Despite best efforts, individual figures may be incorrect, out of date, or inappropriate for your specific bit, material batch, or machine condition. Treat any output that surprises you as suspect until you verify it.

Found a value that looks wrong?

Use the Report error button under the recommendation panel on the main calculator. Fully anonymous; see the Privacy Policy for what gets sent.