3d finishing - speeds/feeds

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So it’s been quite a journey my first year with a CNC router - One thing i’m still having trouble dialing in is speeds/feeds. I’ve been fortunate that i’ve been buying bits that have vectric toolbase starting points which has helped, however before I go busting my new spetool 0.25mm TBN - I was hoping someone could give me a little guidance.

For 3d roughing/finishing, I had read one user report that they always change the plunge rate to 118 IPM, which is apparently the max speed for the Z slider on onefinity. I’ve tried that advice, successfully with other TBN 3d carving before without issue. This 0.25mm TBN is the smallest i’ve used yet - Am I still safe to do this? My concern is looking at the “suggested” feeds/speeds for “Spectool W01005” is the default plunge rate is 8.4 IPM. This is WAY under the 118 onefinity max. (That said, "Amana 46282K default plunge is 25 IPM, and i’ve ran it without problem at 118 IPM during 3d finish without issue, 9-10% stepover)

As for feed rate, it’s suggested rating is 25.2 IPM - I’m running a low step over (9-10%) - Can I get away with anything faster for 3d carving, or should I just keep that as is?

Thanks guys, these speeds/feeds are one of the most challenging things i’ve still trying to understand without breaking things.

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I run that bit at 60ipm at 7krpm or 3 on the makita dial 9% stepover.
These videos in this post may help with understanding feed rates and chipload.

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(Edit) Sorry I misread the original post. I thought the cutter in question was .25 inch.
That is what the following is refering to:

I plunge that cutter at 30ipm in all wood types. I try to ramp wherever possible. For that I use 50ipm. And then I run it at 7000rpm and 60-100ipm depending on the hardness of the wood.
There is no good reason that I can see for plunging at such a fast feed rate as 118ipm. That would put a lot of load on the cutter. The time saved would only be seconds.

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I did my own video on feeds and speeds. Because there is so much info out there and depending on where you look you get a different answer so I made a video to help explain this. Beginners Guide To Feeds Speeds & Chiploads - YouTube

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