Vortex Solid carbide spiral
Vortex solid carbide router bit (1/2" & up)
Type: flat end mill · Diameter: 0.5" · Flutes: see manufacturer catalog
Starting points only, sourced from the manufacturers' own published data. Every machine differs: test in scrap, tune by ear. Neither ChipLoad nor the manufacturers are responsible for broken tools.
Published values, summarized per material and machine class. For the full CAM library (plunge, depth, stepover), download it from the manufacturer.
| Material | Machine class | RPM | Feed IPM | Chip load (in) | Note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | any | 16000 | – | 0.012 – 0.015 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| Aluminum | any | 16000 | – | 0.008 – 0.01 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| Hard plastic | any | 16000 | – | 0.01 – 0.012 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| Hard wood | any | 16000 | – | 0.019 – 0.021 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| High pressure laminate | any | 16000 | – | 0.023 – 0.025 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| MDF / particle board | any | 16000 | – | 0.025 – 0.027 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| Phenolic / Paperstone | any | 16000 | – | 0.01 – 0.012 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| Soft plastic | any | 16000 | – | 0.012 – 0.016 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
| Softwood / plywood | any | 16000 | – | 0.021 – 0.023 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ⚠ Outlier: ours 0.022" vs median 0.0077" of 3 other manufacturer(s): Amana Tool, Freud, High Country Tools (+186%) | Vortex |
| Solid surface | any | 16000 | – | 0.01 – 0.012 | Vortex chip load chart (1/2" & up). RPM as printed: 18,000 for tooling 3/8" and smaller, 16,000 for larger. Feed = RPM × flutes × chip load. ✓ Cross-checked | Vortex |
Retrieved 2026-10-16. Get the tool file from the manufacturer: Vortex downloads