CNC Machining worked example

Depth of Cut with available spindle power or rigidity capacity of 8 capacity units: a worked example

This scenario runs the depth of cut calculation on the strong side: available spindle power or rigidity capacity of 8 capacity units, with every other input held at its documented default. screening a roughing pass, slotting strategy, or heavy cut before committing to a CNC program

The inputs for this scenario

  • Available spindle power or rigidity capacity: 8 capacity units (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 3.2)
  • Width of cut and feed load basis: 8 load units (unchanged)
  • Material and setup safety factor: 0.8 x (unchanged)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Depth of Cut = available cutting capacity ÷ width-of-cut and feed load basis × material and safety factor) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 0.8 in for base depth of cut, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 1 value for raw ratio.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 0.8 x for conversion factor.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 8 value for width-of-cut and feed load basis.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where available spindle power or rigidity capacity sits at 3.2 capacity units and the headline result is 0.32 in, this scenario comes in 150% above the baseline at 0.8 in.
  • Use it as a starting point when programming a new pocket or facing operation, or when re-rating a cut for a tougher material or a less rigid setup. Treat this as a target state: the delta against the baseline quantifies what the improvement is worth before you commit to chasing it.

Results at a glance

  • base depth of cut: 0.8 in (headline result)
  • Raw ratio: 1 value
  • Conversion factor: 0.8 x
  • width-of-cut and feed load basis: 8 value

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Depth of Cut calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.