I have an Axiom Elite CNC (modified with 'servo steppers') and I have been running the following as a roughing strategy:

Material: Baltic Birch Plywood; 3/4" laminated to 3" overall height
Bit: 1/2" amana 2-flute straight cut brazed carbide bit (45424); 4.25" overall length, chucked to 3.2" exposed tool
Feed: 3500 mm/min (137 in/,min)
Speed: 10,000 RPM
Depth of cut: 4mm (full engagement for a 'profile' pass)

The issue is the noise; ear bleeding screams and squalls. Of course loud = bad for tool and machine life. What am I doing wrong? I have played with speed, up to 18k rpm, and feed, up to 4000 mm/min (157 in/min).

I spoke with a Vortex rep yesterday and he said that 1/2" is a bit too big for my spindle and recommended going down to 3/8" bit and let it eat. I have already ordered the recommended tools, but I would like to hear from the group if I can run the 1/2" on my machine with success.

For some reason, I am scared to push the feedrate to the 500 in/min, 1/2" depth of cut that I read about in previous forum posts, it just seems counterintuitive to my engineering mind.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
-B