Feature Article

Dry milling and turning grow in popularity day by day, but dry drilling is nanother matter. Because of the nature of drilling, it's more difficult to nperform this operation without coolant.

The CNCs on many lathes don't have drill-pecking cycles.

Three companies that tap millions of holes annually offer advice for improving the tapping of steel and aluminum. Discussed is coolant application, equipment for tapping and determining speeds. There's also a sidebar on thread milling.

Article discusses the disadvantages of carrying too many grades of carbide inserts. Often, using a less-than-optimal grade can save a machine shop money.

Article defines what constitutes a high-pressure coolant-delivery system and offers advice for selecting such a system. Discussed are pumps, system prices and advantages of these systems when cutting metal.

Author describes what he's learned about turning hardened steel. Discussed are the machine tools needed as well as PCBN and ceramic inserts.

When facemilling with an indexable-insert tool, the axial and radial rake angles of the inserts can have a significant impact on performance. This article reviews the basics of rake angles and their effect on tool life, cutter effectiveness and metal-removal rates.

A 10-question quiz tests the reader's knowledge of gage usage and maintenance. The answers, which are provided, help correct common misperceptions about gages and gaging.

Advanced tool grinding machines are making it possible for even small shops to regrind complicated tool geometries in-house. This article explores the cost and time factors that must be considered before a shop decides whether it will regrind tools in-house or outsource the work.

The manufacturer of the most widely used fire-hose nozzle has continually upgraded its processes and equipment to meet its customers' needs. This article outlines the market forces and changes to its nozzle design that have driven the company to maintain a state-of-the-art shop.

Vacuum chucks can be useful for holding parts that are thin, irregularly shaped, large and flat or easily marred. This article describes the components and machining required to build a vacuum chuck in-house. Accompanying Articles discuss the commercial units that are available and the use of router bits to reduce the lift on vacuum-chucked parts.

A project engineer recounts his experiences planning for, installing and setting up a new CNC vertical milling center. Among the issues he explores are the questions that must be answered before the machine arrives, selecting or designing tools and fixtures for the new machine and preparing workers for the change.