Told my 3rd shift lead my speeds were fine, he told me to stop guessing and read the insert box

Nancy Nguyen · 2026-09-14T07:35:04.702863+00:00

Six months back I was running 4140 on a Haas ST-20 and kept burning through inserts every 40 parts or so. My lead pulled me aside and said flat out, "You're running someone else's numbers." He pulled the insert box out of the trash and showed me the chip load chart I'd never looked at once. Turned out I was pushing 800 SFM when the manufacturer called for 550, and my tool life went from 40 parts to over 200 just by doing the math. I still get guys on my shift telling me feed and speed charts are for rookies, so what's the real reason you ignore them?

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Told my 3rd shift lead my speeds were fine, he told me to stop guessing and read the insert box | CNC Operators - The Community Guide