Machining data
6061 Aluminum speeds & feeds
The workhorse aluminum — run it fast with a 2–3 flute high-helix tool and flood or air blast. Below are RobbJack's tested starting parameters by diameter — then open the calculator to tune them to your exact tool, depth of cut, and spindle.
| Diameter | Recommended tool | Flutes | SFM | RPM | Feed (IPM) | Chip load (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | A1-201-04 | 2 | 1,965 | 60,000 | 384 | 0.0032 |
| 3/16" | A1-201-06 | 2 | 2,948 | 60,000 | 576 | 0.0048 |
| 1/4" | A1-201-08 | 2 | 3,930 | 60,000 | 768 | 0.0064 |
| 3/8" | A1-201-12 | 2 | 5,895 | 60,000 | 1152 | 0.0096 |
| 1/2" | A1-201-16 | 2 | 7,860 | 60,000 | 1536 | 0.0128 |
| 3/4" | A1-201-24 | 2 | 11,790 | 60,000 | 2000 | 0.0167 |
Starting parameters for roughing/profiling with a rigid setup — always verify on your machine, tool, and fixturing. Open the calculator to enter your exact depth of cut, spindle RPM/HP, and coating, and to get finishing values and a printable setup sheet.