Drilling & Boring

Articles • February 1, 1999 • Gregory S. Antoun

The Pressure’s on to Improve Drilling

The author explains how high-pressure, high-volume coolant can provide better control of chips and temperature during drilling operations. He also describes the tools, equipment and shop procedures that can ensure top performance from a high-pressure coolant system.

Articles • February 1, 1999 • Brian Wilshire

Getting Peak Performance from Indexable Drills

This article details the jobs and applications where indexable drills can and can't offer increased performance and economy. He also explains how to diagnose and correct common indexable-insert drill problems.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Jeff Fox

Stop Drill Breakage

Several factors influence the effectiveness of a drilling operation. This article looks at a number of them, including coolant delivery, speeds and feeds, and tool selection.

Articles • February 1, 1998 • Christer Larsson

Optimizing Deep-Hole Drilling

Drilling with a single- or double-tube system might be the most efficient way to drill deep holes in some applications. This article, which describes the tools and the process, says tubular drilling can pay for itself in higher productivity, thriftier manufacturing and tighter tolerances.

Articles • October 1, 1997 • Brent Lindsey

On Boring’s Cutting Edge

Although machinists are using cermet and ceramic cutting tools for an increasing number of applications, they have been slow to adopt them for boring. This is beginning to change, however. This article describes some of the ways a boring operation can benefit from the use of these tools.

Articles • February 1, 1997 • Brent Lindsey

The Performance Edge

This article makes the case that a core drill is the best tool for opening existing holes. Being designed for the operation, the two-flute indexable drill can produce more accurate holes with less tool wear and breakage than alternatives such as boring bars, drills or endmills. The article describes the design of a typical core drill and explains how it is used.

Articles • February 1, 1997 • Tom Lingafelter

The Need for Feed Units

There are several types of feed units for drilling and tapping on the market, varying in capability and the type of drive. This article discusses the difference between units and suggests questions users should ask themselves before selecting a unit. Factors to be considered include the volume of production, cost engineering and tool requirements.

Articles • October 1, 1996 • Timothy White

Hole in One

Solid-carbide drills made with advanced submicrograin carbide are capable of producing holes that meet tight specifications without secondary operations. This article explains how these tools produce reamer-like finishes while offering extended tool life and shortened cycle times. An accompanying article discusses coatings for solid-carbide drills.

Articles • March 1, 1996 • Thomas Benjamin

Indexed for Success

Indexable-insert drills offer several advantages for producing short holes. This article describes the drills' features, uses and benefits. Tips are provided to help select the optimal tool, insert and machine settings. A trouble-shooting chart is included.

Articles • February 1, 1996 • Christina Dunlap

Drills Inch Toward Metric

U.S. manufacturers are in a transition period, moving from inch to metric specifications. This article looks at the impact this change is having on the manufacturing and use of drills. The discussion also covers the advantages and disadvantages of going metric and the availability of metric drill sizes in the United States.

Articles • October 1, 1995 • Harvey Patterson

Strictly Boring

When machinists plan a boring operation, they must rely on general turning data. Typically, this data is developed from OD turning operations, not boring operations. This article provides cutting data and recommendations specifically for boring that take into account such unique problems as boring bar deflection and chips trapped inside the bore.

Articles • February 1, 1995 • George Taylor

Bushings Get It Straight

Guide bushings are used in difficult holemaking applications to ensure that the drill produces round straight holes. This article discusses the types of bushings commonly used and the materials they are made from. Guidelines for sizing bushings for a given operation are also supplied.