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Every cut starts with one formula: Feed Rate = Spindle Speed (RPM) x Chip Load x Number of Cutting Edges (flutes). Chip load is the thickness of material each cutting edge removes in one revolution of the bit. This number comes from the manufacturer of the bit, which publishes a chip-load chart for each bit diameter and material. Look up your exact bit and material, start from the middle of the published range, and you have the third number in the formula. The chart below shows the recommended spindle speed for each material and bit type.
In the Easel menu this machine is sold as the 1.5kW VFD spindle bundle, and that spindle can hit every speed in the chart, so set your RPM straight from it. If plastic starts to smear, slow the spindle down or speed up the feed. Depth per pass is where the machine itself matters. A truly rigid machine with a powerful spindle can cut as deep as the bit is wide in a single pass, but that takes real spindle torque, a drive train and clamps that hold firm, a gantry that will not flex, and enough mass to soak up vibration. Few hobby machines check every one of those boxes, and the fix is simple: take shallower passes. Push too deep and the bit deflects and chatters, leaving scalloped edges, or it rubs instead of cutting and burns the material. The fastest way to dial in a cut is to see what has already worked for other people.
Worked example for feed rate: 1/8in (3.175mm) two-flute solid carbide end mill in hard wood. The chart says 16,000 RPM, and the bit maker's chart gives 0.025mm per tooth (0.0010 in). Feed = 16,000 x 0.025 x 2 = 800 mm/min (31 in/min). For depth per pass, start shallow and check Community Cut Settings in Easel for what works on this machine. If the cut sounds strained, reduce the depth, not the feed. Slowing the feed below the chip load makes the bit rub instead of cut.
Community Cut Settings shows the spindle speed, feed rate, and depth per pass other makers actually run for your machine, material, and bit.
The FoxAlien XE-Ultra Core runs GRBL on its 32-bit control board, so it connects directly to Easel. Install the free Easel Driver and plug in over USB, or connect driverless with Rapid Connect in a Chromium browser (Chrome, Edge, or Opera). Design in the browser, then the Carve button homes, zeroes, and runs the job with live progress. You can also export G-code to run from another sender. Select "XE-Ultra Core with 1.5KW VFD Spindle Bundle Kit" in Easel's machine menu to size the canvas to the 440 x 440 x 120 mm working area.
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