Hardwood and Softwoods - Recommended Drill Bit Speeds

Hardwood and softwood drill speed chart. Find recommended drill bit speeds in RPM for various materials including softwood, hardwood, acrylic, brass, aluminum, and steel across different drill bit types.

Diameter (in)Softwood (Pine)Hardwood (Hard Maple)AcrylicBrassAluminumSteel
Twist drill bits
1/16 - 3/16300030002500300030003000
1/4 - 3/8300015002000120025001000
7/16 - 5/8150075015007501500600
1/16 - 1750500-4001000350
Brad-point bits
1/8180012001500---
1/4180010001500---
3/818007501500---
1/218007501000---
5/81800500750---
3/41400250750---
7/81200250500---
11000250250---
Forstner bits
1/4 - 3/82400700----
1/2 - 5/82400500250---
3/4 - 11500500250---
1 1/8 - 1 1/41000250250---
1 3/8 - 2500250----
Spade bits
1/4 - 1/220001500----
5/8 - 117501500----
1 1/8 - 1 1/215001000----
1 5/8 - 21200700----