Cutting is the physical shearing of metal or plastic by a tool that is harder than the workpiece. As the tool advances, it forces the material to fracture and curl away as a chip. Understanding the mechanics of cutting involves balancing speed, feed rate, and tool geometry to maximize material removal while preserving tool life and surface finish.
Heard on the job
The spindle load is spiking during the heavy cutting, so we might need to back off the feed rate.
Related terms
Making chips
Shop phrase for machines actually cutting metal, the productive part of the day as opposed to setup.
Feeds and speeds
The spindle speed and feed rate chosen for a cut, set from material, tool and machine.
Rubbing
A tool sliding over the work without taking a proper chip, usually because the feed is too light or the tool is dull.