Saw Cutting Force and Power Calculator

Formula

• P_c = k_c × A_c × V_c / 60,000 (kW)
• P_motor = P_c / η
• T = (P_c × 60) / (2π × n) × 1000 (N·m)
• n = (V_c × 1000) / (π × D_blade)

About this calculator

Part of our Machining & CNC Calculators collection. Cutting speed, feeds, RPM, cycle time, and tap drill charts.

How it works

Net cutting power comes from specific cutting force, chip area, and cutting speed. Motor power adds machine efficiency margin. Blade torque uses power and blade diameter. Use this to size a saw motor for a given material and chip load.

Enter your values in the inputs above and click CALCULATE. Results appear on the right without a page reload. No login and no server upload.

Worked example

160 mm blade, 45 m/min, kc = 1500 N/mm², chip area 1.5 mm², efficiency 85%.

1. Blade RPM = 45 × 1000 / (π × 160) = 90 RPM
2. Net power = 1500 × 1.5 × 45 / 60,000 = 1.69 kW
3. Motor power = 1.69 / 0.85 = 1.99 kW
4. Cutting force = kc × A_c = 2,250 N

Result: 90 RPM, 1.69 kW net cutting power, 1.99 kW motor, 2,250 N force.

When to use

• Sizing a circular saw motor for a given chip load
• Checking blade torque for arbor and belt sizing
• Comparing kc values across materials

Limitations

• kc and chip area are user estimates from material data
• Does not model blade wear, gullet capacity, or coolant
• Constant cutting speed assumed; no entry/exit dynamics

FAQ

What is specific cutting force kc?

Force per unit chip cross-section in N/mm². Steel might be 1500–2500; aluminium lower. Use manufacturer or handbook values.

Why was the unused cutting force input removed?

Force is calculated from kc × chip area. A separate force input duplicated the physics and was never wired to the formula.

How do I estimate chip area?

For many saws, chip area ≈ depth of cut × feed per tooth. Use measured values from test cuts when possible.