Different Types Of Hole Making Tools

A group of machining methods used to make holes in a workpiece is called "hole-making." While a machine, workpiece, fixture, and cutting tools are used in the material removal process known as machining to form designs on a part by removing unwanted material. The desired feature is produced by inserting the cutting tool into the workpiece and removing material from tiny pieces.

Tools used to create holes include broaches, countersinks, reamers, and drilling equipment. Let's examine the seven most common types of hole-making tools and how they work.

Seven Methods For Cutting a Hole

To choose the right tool, consider the material you're working with and the hole's diameter and depth. Think about the tool itself. Is it easy to operate? Adjustable? How much expertise is needed?

Hole-making equipment has created a wide range of new commercial application possibilities, particularly in the metalworking sector. Let's now examine several top-notch metalworking instruments for hole cutting.

1. Drilling With Drill Bits

Hole-making tools are usually related to drilling and drill bits. They offer a quick, simple, and affordable way to machine holes. Drill bits operate by axially penetrating the workpiece and creating a through-hole or blind hole that is the same diameter as the tool. You can discover the ideal industrial drill bit for every purpose thanks to the large variety of forms and materials available on the market. Drill bits set frequently include a twist drill bit, center drill bit, auger drill bit, etc.

2. Broaches

A long, multi-toothed hole-making tool with increasingly deeper incisions is called a broach component. Because it creates parts with remarkable accuracy and surface polish, the broaching technique is valuable. Various industries employ broach tools for a variety of purposes. The most common varieties of broaches are as follows:

• Keyway broaches

• Push and pull broaches

• Shell broaches

• External broaches

• Internal broaches 

3. Reamers

These highly precise metalworking tools are well suited for gradually widening existing holes due to their accuracy. They work by removing the least amount of material possible from the workpiece. This method is typically applied following drilling to achieve the finest interior finish and the most accurate hole diameter.

The most common and widely used type of reamer is the chucking reamer. Others include Morse taper reamers, car reamers, reamers for welding equipment, reamers for taper pins, and left- and right-handed spiral reamers.

4. Center Drills

A countersink and a pilot drill make up center drills. On a workpiece, they are typically used to create a center hole for easy turning between centers and support for the load as it rotates. The advantages of these hole-making tools are their extreme stiffness and reduced tendency to wander. Additionally, the average hole angle of a center drill bit is 60°.

5. Hole Cutters

Cutting precisely round holes in metal, wood, and other materials requires using hole cutters, also known as hole saws. This metalworking equipment can drill much wider diameters than a typical drill bit. They are also a very effective substitute for other tools because they need to trim the perimeter of the hole. Hole cutters have separate carbide-tipped cutting teeth, just like circular saw blades.

6. Counterbores

Counterboring, typically done after drilling, is suitable for projects where a fastener must sit flush with the surface of the workpiece. Typically, these hole-making tools have two cutting diameters: one for the hole and one for the recess in the head.

There are also several speciality counterbores on the market, including:

• Back counterbores

• Aircraft counterbores

• Blade counterbores

• Fillister head screw counterbores

• Cap screw counterbore

The following specifications should be taken into account when choosing the type of counterbore you require:

• diameter of the counterbore

• the number of cutting edges

• the integral pilot's diameter

• the mounting arbour's or shank's diameter

7. Countersinks and Chamfering

Drill bits with countersinks and chamfers are ideal for drilling conical holes in objects. A countersink bit enters a workpiece axially and enlarges an existing hole to create an opening with a cone-shaped top. These commercial hole-punching devices work well by letting fasteners flush against a workpiece.

Depending on your project and requirements, countersink and chamfering tool bits are available in various sizes and forms. Angles like 60°, 82°, 90°, 100°, 118°, and 120° are typical countersink angles.

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