A method, system, and apparatus for an adaptive controller for controlling a machining operation on a workpiece by a machining tool are provided. The system includes a sensor for measuring a present value of a spindle load on a spindle drive, and an adaptive controller for comparing the present value of the spindle load to a present value of a target spindle load. The adaptive controller includes a computing element configured to determine a first feed rate value of a machining tool, and a number generator configured to generate a first feed rate dither adjustment value used for adding noise to the first feed rate value. The adaptive controller is configured to control the feed rate of the machining tool relative to the workpiece to maintain the present value of the spindle load approximately equal to the present value of the target spindle load using one or more of the first feed rate value, the first feed rate dither adjustment value, and the second feed rate dither adjustment value.