Thanks for the info guys.

Whilst I understand the rationale in saying that feed rates will differ between machines (linear screw motor strength, machine setup, spindle motor power etc), I meant removing those particular variants, what feed rate could a user expect to be able to cut at for that particular tool size (3mm shank, 3mm cutter diameter, 3 flute ...with a Dremel).

What I subsequently found was that for that particular piddley little endmill on a dremel, the best I can hope for is about 80mm per minute at a depth of about 2.5mm - SLOW!

I can go deeper & I can go faster...but my goodness, talk about drawing attention to your household ...NOISEVILLE!.

As it goes, just tried with acrylic (perspex)...similar results (ie huge increase in noise if I try to go above thoise feed rates), which was a surprise as I'd have though it'd be a lot easier for the cutter to erhm...cut. Just as a side note...3mm cutter diameter seems a little 'wide' for a simple small cuts through perspex...but I'm thinking if I go much smaller, wouldn't the cutter snap that much easier...any acylic cutters here care to comment on what type endmill they use to cut acrylic? (acylic is where the bulk of my cutting will be)

Anyway, thanks for your help...my next project - an acoustic shroud to encase my CNC machine to allow me to go at much higher cutting speeds without fear of having the enviromental noise protection officers slapping me with an ASBO!