1. What is Chip Load?

Chip load (also called feed per tooth) is the thickness of material removed by each tooth of the saw blade during a cutting operation. It's a critical parameter in sawing operations that affects tool life, surface finish, and cutting efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the chip load formula:

Where:

• Feed Rate — The linear speed of the saw blade through the material (inches per minute)
• RPM — Rotations per minute of the saw blade
• Number of Teeth — Total teeth on the saw blade

Explanation: The formula calculates how much material each tooth removes per revolution by distributing the total feed rate across all teeth.

3. Importance of Chip Load Calculation

Details: Proper chip load ensures optimal cutting performance. Too low chip load causes rubbing and premature tool wear, while too high chip load can break teeth or overload the machine.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter feed rate in inches per minute, RPM in revolutions per minute, and number of teeth on the blade. All values must be positive numbers (teeth must be at least 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical chip load range?
A: Chip load varies by material and blade type, but generally ranges from 0.001 to 0.020 inches per tooth for most sawing applications.

Q2: How does chip load affect blade life?
A: Proper chip load extends blade life by preventing excessive heat buildup and ensuring each tooth cuts efficiently rather than rubbing.

Q3: What happens if chip load is too low?
A: Low chip load causes rubbing instead of cutting, generating heat and accelerating blade wear.

Q4: How does material hardness affect chip load?
A: Harder materials typically require lower chip loads, while softer materials can handle higher chip loads.

Q5: Should I adjust feed rate if I change RPM?
A: Yes, to maintain the same chip load, feed rate should be adjusted proportionally when changing RPM.