Cold Saw SFPM & RPM Calculator
Cold Saw Blade SFPM & RPM Calculator and Cutting Speed Guide
Looking to optimize the perfect cutting speed for your cold saw blade? Whether you’re cutting mild steel, stainless, aluminum, or copper, the key to long blade life and clean cuts lies in selecting the correct SFPM (surface feet per minute). This guide will help you calculate RPM, understand recommended speeds by material and blade size, and avoid common mistakes that reduce performance and blade life.
What Is SFPM?
SFPM stands for Surface Feet Per Minute — a measure of how fast the cutting edge of your blade is moving against the material. It depends on two things: the RPM of your saw and the diameter of your blade.
Formula: RPM = (SFPM × 3.82) ÷ Blade Diameter (in inches)
This formula helps you match the RPM of your machine to your desired cutting speed, ensuring clean, safe, and consistent cuts.
Recommended SFPM by Material and Shape
| Material Type & Shape | SFPM |
|---|---|
| Mild Steel – Solids & Thick Walled Pipe | 90 – 125 |
| Mild Steel – Thin Wall Tubing (0.062″ or less) | 140 – 185 |
| Stainless Steel – Solids & Thick-Walled Pipe | 50 – 90 |
| Stainless Steel – Thin Wall Tubing (0.062″ or less) | 85 – 130 |
| Non-Ferrous – Aluminum, Brass, Copper | 225 – 350 |
For all materials, use the lower SFPM range for solids and thick-walled material. Use the higher SFPM range for thin-wall tubing and lightweight profiles.
Calculate RPM Based on Your SFPM
Use the calculator below to determine the optimal RPM based on your blade diameter and desired SFPM:
Running Too Fast or Too Slow — And What “Glazing” Really Means
If your SFPM is too high, your blade teeth stop cutting and start rubbing — generating friction instead of chips. This creates heat, dulls the blade faster, and can lead to tooth glazing (a shiny, hardened layer on the tooth tips that makes cutting even worse).
If you run too slow, the blade may grab, deflect, or chip. It puts stress on both the machine and the teeth — especially in tougher materials like stainless or chromoly.
Correct SFPM means:
- Clean, accurate cuts
- Longer blade life
- Reduced wear on your machine
Need the Right Blade?
We offer M2 and M35 HSS blades in Bright Finish, Vapor Steam Black Oxide, TiN, and TiAlN coatings for all ferrous and non-ferrous metals and saw types. Every blade is built to order on German CNC equipment and configured by experts.
