--- title: Understanding Flutes in High Speed Machining description: Check out our list which will help answer the the commonly asked question of how many flutes do I need on my end mill for high speed machining. image: https://blog.fullertontool.com/hubfs/Tool-Tips-Square-Logo.png --- Menu [![fullerton](https://blog.fullertontool.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Fullerton_June2021/images/fullerton-logo.svg "fullerton")](https://fullertontool.com/) Close - [Search Tools](https://fullertontool.com/search) - Products - [End Mills](https://fullertontool.com/products/end-mills) - [Drills](https://fullertontool.com/products/drills) - [Drill Mills](https://fullertontool.com/products/drill-mills) - [Burrs](https://fullertontool.com/products/burrs/burr-rotary-files) - [Keyseat Cutters](https://fullertontool.com/products/keyseats/4375-general-purpose) - [Saws](https://fullertontool.com/products/saws) - [Reamers](https://fullertontool.com/products/reamers) - [Countersinks](https://fullertontool.com/products/countersinks) - 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Of course, the number of flutes on your end mill is dependent on your machining needs, but we have put together a quick list to help guide you in the right direction for your high speed machining needs.   ### **When to Use 4 Flutes** - You are operating on an older machine without look ahead capability. - When the machined area is smaller than 10 inches of surface area. - Preferred higher radial depth of cut.   ### **When to Use 7 Flutes** - You are operating a machine with look ahead capability. - When the machined area is larger than 10 inches of surface area. - Preferred lower radial depth of cut.  I hope this quick list has helped you understand the number of flutes needed for your end mill’s high speed machining needs.  Need help finding the correct end mill?  [Click here to access our end mill material guide](http://www.fullertontool.com/search/endmill) and it will help recommend end mills based on your selections. If you still have questions or need additional resources please contact our Customer Service team at 800.248.8315 or [sales@fullertontool.com](mailto:sales@fullertontool.com). Tags: [Advanced Performance End Mills](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/advanced-performance-end-mills), [End Mills](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/end-mills), [high speed machining](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/high-speed-machining), [Tool Tips](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/tool-tips) [Back to Blog](https://blog.fullertontool.com) ## Related Articles ## [Machining Aluminum - Why It's Not So Simple](https://blog.fullertontool.com/machining-aluminum) When it comes to machining aluminum, it’s not a simple task. There are many grades of aluminum, all... 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