Need help determining speed

[Curvedcut1]

I recently got a Raytech Evolution 6 inch saw with variable speeds and as someone that used a fixed one before, I could use some help. How to you decide the speed and what aspects will affect it?

 

[TumbleBee218]

Nice, that's a great upgrade! When deciding on a speed, there three main things to consider are the material, blade and coolant.
So generally, you'll want to use slower speeds for harder, more brittle materials like agate or petrified wood. Going too fast can cause chipping or even crack the stone. For softer stones like opal, however, you might want to increase the speed slightly to get a cleaner cut without causing as much friction. Then for the type of blade, a sintered blade, for example, can handle higher speeds better than a notched blade, especially on harder materials. Lastly, and this is crucial, the coolant flow needs to be constant and sufficient. Regardless of speed, if your blade and stone aren't properly lubricated and cooled, you'll burn out the blade and potentially damage the stone! A good practice is to start slow and increase the speed gradually, listening to the saw and watching how the blade cuts. You'll get a feel for it in no time!

 

[Dunam1s]

Harder woods usually need slower speeds to avoid burning, while softer woods can handle faster cuts. Thin blades or fine tooth blades often do better at higher speeds, whereas thick or coarse blades usually need lower speeds. Also, consider whether you're doing straight cuts or curves, slower speeds give you more control for tricky cuts