{"id":1963,"date":"2021-10-20T20:30:19","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T17:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/?p=1963"},"modified":"2022-09-07T12:00:33","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T09:00:33","slug":"correct-drilling-speed-for-different-kinds-of-wood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/correct-drilling-speed-for-different-kinds-of-wood\/","title":{"rendered":"Correct Drilling Speed for Different Kinds of Wood"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, electric drills are versatile and you can use them to either drill holes or drive fasteners during fitting works among other functions. They also come with different speed settings so that you can adjust and set the suitable RPM that matches your drilling needs. In this article, we are focusing on drilling holes in different types of wood, and the factors that play in the RPM you should set. So, what is the right speed to drill wood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recommended speed for drilling wood using a twist drill bit size of 1\/4\u201d to 3\/8\u201d is 3000 RPM for softwood and 1500 RPM for hardwood. For 7\/16\u201d to 5\/8\u201d drill sizes, the perfect drilling speed is 1500 RPM and 750 RPM for softwood and hardwood respectively. The speed would also be different when using brad point bits, Forstner bits, or hole saws and also when using different sizes of drill bits. Hardwood needs slower speed than softwood and so do large diameter drills.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of factors that play in deciding the right speed for drilling your wood, from drill size, to wood condition, and of course wood type, to much more little things. We’ve made it all very comprehensive and easy for you to understand, to start things off, let’s discuss the correct RPM depending on some of these factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Correct RPM Depending on Drill Size, Wood Type, and Wood Condition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the charts below, we have the different speeds for drilling softwood and hardwood using different drill bits of different sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Twist drill bits sizes correct drilling speed for softwood and hardwood.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Twist drill bits are common types of drill bits that every woodworker would come across. They are useful when drilling small holes into the wood. They are mostly used and the advantage with these drill bits is the ability to work on wood, steel, concrete, and plastic. They also come in different sizes to suit different purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brad-point bits sizes correct drilling speed for softwood and hardwood.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The difference between twist bits and brad point bits is that the latter is used to bore clean and precise holes on either softwood or hardwood. It features outlining spurs that work to cut the wood on the edges as it drills hence leaving clean precise hole edges that may need no sanding to finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Forstner bits sizes correct drilling speed for softwood and hardwood.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to drill holes with a flat bottom, then Forstner drill bits can do. They are specially designed unlike the other drills that may leave a steep ground tip in the hole, the result of using Forstner bits will leave the precise flat bottom in the holes. This is important for drilling holes partway into the wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hole saw sizes correct drilling speed for softwood and hardwood.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These are useful for cutting a large hole on wood where pipes, cables, tubes, or door hardware can go through. They are specially designed and features a small but cylindrical metal blade that is attached to the drills. It also features a circular saw blade that is mounted on the arbor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The above are just a few charts of the most common types of drill bits that are used for different projects. You can use these carts to match your drilling speed for a specific type of wood and using different-sized drill bits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Better To Drill Wood Fast or Slow?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people would ask, do you drill slow or fast? For this, no answer fits all. This is because different types of wood would require different drilling speeds. Also, the diameter or the type of drill would determine the speed at which to drill with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to find out the perfect speed to drill different types of wood so that you don\u2019t damage it, cause it to split, or cause heat that can burn the wood. It is also important to note that drilling too slow may damage the wood and the results may not be appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the right RPM to set your drill will depend on whether you are drilling a softwood or a hardwood. It also depends on the size of the drill bit that you are using. A large diameter drill bit is efficient at a lower speed compared to a small diameter bit. Refer to the chart above for the perfect RPM for different woods, and drill sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Determine The Correct Drill Speed For Wood<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we did mention, you can only determine the correct drilling speed for wood by checking different factors that include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n