2.

DRILLING MACHINE
2.1 Introduction
Drilling machine is one of the most important machine tools in a workshop. It was
designed to produce a cylindrical hole of required diameter and depth on metal workpieces.

Though holes can be made by different machine tools in a shop, drilling machine is
designed specifically to perform the operation of drilling and similar operations. Drilling can
be done easily at a low cost in a shorter period of time in a drilling machine.

Drilling can be called as the operation of producing a cylindrical hole of required

diameter and depth by removing metal by the rotating edges of a drill.

The cutting tool known as drill is fitted into the spindle of the drilling machine. A mark
of indentation is made at the required location with a center punch. The rotating drill is
pressed at the location and is fed into the work. The hole can be made upto a required
depth.

2.2 Construction of a drilling machine

The basic parts of a drilling machine are a base, column, drillhead and spindle.

The base made of cast iron may rest on a bench, pedestal or floor depending upon the
design. Larger and heavy duty machines are grounded on the floor. The column is mounted
vertically upon the base. It is accurately machined and the table can be moved up and down
on it. The drill spindle, an electric motor and the mechanism meant for driving the spindle at
different speeds are mounted on the top of the column. Power is transmitted from the
electric motor to the spindle through a flat belt or a ‘V’ belt.

2.3 Types of drilling machines

Drilling machines are manufactured in different types and sizes according to the type
of operation, amount of feed, depth of cut, spindle speeds, method of spindle movement
and the required accuracy.

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 The different types of drilling machines are:

1. Portable drilling machine (or) Hand drilling machine

2. Sensitive drilling machine (or) Bench drilling machine
3. Upright drilling machine
4. Radial drilling machine
5. Gang drilling machine
6. Multiple spindle drilling machine
7. Deep hole drilling machine

2.3.1 Portable drilling machine

Portable drilling machine can be carried and used anywhere in the workshop. It is used
for drilling holes on workpieces in any position, which is not possible in a standard drilling
machine. The entire drilling mechanism is compact and small in size and so can be carried
anywhere. This type of machine is widely adapted for automobile built-up work. The motor
is generally universal type. These machines can accommodate drills from 12mm to 18 mm
diameter. Portable drilling machines are operated at higher speeds.

2.3.2 Sensitive drilling machine

It is designed for drilling small holes at high speeds in light jobs. High speed and hand
feed are necessary for drilling small holes. The base of the machine is mounted either on a
bench or on the floor by means of bolts and nuts. It can handle drills upto 15.5mm of
diameter. The drill is fed into the work purely by hand . The operator can sense the progress
of the drill into the work because of hand feed. The machine is named so because of this
reason. A sensitive drilling machine consists of a base, column, table, spindle, drillhead and
the driving mechanism.

A sensitive drilling machine is shown in Fig. 2.1.

Base
The base is made of cast iron and so can withstand vibrations. It may be mounted on a
bench or on the floor. It supports all the other parts of the machine on it.

Column
The column stands vertically on the base at one end. It supports the work table and the
drill head. The drill head has drill spindle and the driving motor on either side of the column.

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 ‘V’ belt
Step
conepulley

Feed handle
Electric
motor
Drillhead

Sleeve

Spindle

Table Column

Base

Fig 2.1 Sensitive drilling machine

Table
The table is mounted on the vertical column and can be adjusted up and down on it.
The table has ‘T’-slots on it for holding the workpieces or to hold any other work holding
device. The table can be adjusted vertically to accommodate workpieces of different
heights and can be clamped at the required position.

Drill head

Drillhead is mounted on the top side of the column. The drill spindle and the driving
motor are connected by means of a V-belt and cone pulleys. The motion is transmitted to
the spindle from the motor by the belt. The pinion attached to the handle meshes with the
rack on the sleeve of the spindle for providing the drill the required downfeed. There is no
power feed arrangement in this machine. The spindle rotates at a speed ranging from 50 to
2000 r.p.m.

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2.3.3 Upright drilling machine

The upright drilling machine is designed for handling medium sized workpieces.
Though it looks like a sensitive drilling machine, it is larger and heavier than a sensitive
drilling machine. Holes of diameter upto 50mm can be made with this type of machine.
Besides, it is supplied with power feed arrangement. For drilling different types of work, the
machine is provided with a number of spindle speeds and feed.

Step
conepulley

Downfeed
handle
Electric motor

Spindle Column

Table

Base

Fig 2.2 Upright drilling machine

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 There are two different types of upright drilling machines according to the
cross-section of the column and they are
1. Round column section upright drilling machine
2. Box column section upright drilling machine

A round column section upright drilling machine is shown in Fig. 2.2.

The main parts of a upright drilling machine are : base, column, table and drillhead.

Base
Base is made of cast iron as it can withstand vibrations set by the cutting action. It is
erected on the floor of the shop by means of bolts and nuts. It is the supporting member as
it supports column and other parts on it. The top of the base is accurately machined and has
‘T’-slots. When large workpieces are to be held, they are directly mounted on the base.

Column
Column stands vertically on the base and supports the work table and all driving
mechanisms. It is designed to withstand the vibrations set up due to the cutting action at high
speeds.

Table
Table is mounted on the column and can be adjusted up and down on it. It is provided
with ‘T’-slots for workpieces to be mounted directly on it. Table may have the following
adjustments

(i) Vertical adjustment obtained by the rack on the column and a pinion in the table
(ii) Circular adjustment about its own axis

After the required ajustments are made, the table is clamped in position.

Drill head
The drillhead is mounted on the top of the column. It houses the driving and feeding
mechanism of the spindle. The spindle can be provided with hand or power feed . There are
separate hand wheels for quick hand feed and sensitive hand feed. The handle is spring
loaded so that the drill spindle is released from the work when the operation is over.

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2.3.4 Radial drilling machine
The radial drilling machine is intended for drilling on medium to large and heavy
workpieces. It has a heavy round column mounted on a large base. The column supports a
radial arm, which can be raised or lowered to enable the table to accommodate workpieces
of different heights. The arm, which has the drilllhead on it, can be swung around to any
position. The drill head can be made to slide on the radial arm. The machine is named so
because of this reason. It consists of parts like base, column, radial arm, drillhead and
driving mechanism. A radial drilling machine is illustrated in Fig. 2.3

Motor for
elevating screw Guideways on the radial arm

Motor for driving the

Elevating spindle
screw
Drillhead

Radial arm

Handle

Spindle
Cloumn

Table

Base

Fig 2.3 Radial drilling machine

Base
The base is a large rectangular casting and is mounted on the floor of the shop. Its top
is accurately finished to support a column at one end and the table at the other end. ‘T’-slots
are provided on it for clamping workpieces.

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Column
The column is a cylindrical casting, which is mounted vertically at one end of the base.
It supports the radial arm and allows it to slide up and down on its face. The vertical
adjustment of the radial arm is effected by rotating a screw passing through a nut attached
to the arm. An electric motor is mounted on the top of the column for rotating the elevating
screw.

Radial arm
The radial arm is mounted on the column parallel to the base and can be adjusted
vertically. The vertical front surface is accurately machined to provide guideways for the
drillhead. The drillhead can be adjusted along these guideways according to the location of
the work. In some machines, a separate motor is provided for this movement. The arm may
be swung around the column. It can also be moved up and down to suit workpieces of
different heights.

Drillhead
The drillhead is mounted on the radial arm and houses all mechanism for driving the
drill at different speeds and at different feed. A motor is mounted on top of the drillhead for
this purpose. To adjust the position of drill spindle with respect to the work, the drillhead
may be made to slide on the guideways of the arm. The drillhead can be clamped in position
after the spindle is properly adjusted.

Universal radial drilling machine

It is a machine in which the spindle can be swiveled to any required angle in vertical
and horizontal positions.

2.3.5. Gang drilling machine

Gang drilling machine has a long common table and a base. Four to six drillheads are
placed side by side. The drillheads have separate driving motors. This machine is used for
production work.

A series of operations like drilling, reaming, counterboring and tapping may be

performed on the work by simply shifting the work from one position to the other on the
work table. Each spindle is set with different tools for different operations.

Fig.2.4 shows a gang drilling machine.

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 Drillhead

Feed handle

Spindle Column

Handle
for
Table elevating
the table

Elevating
screw
Base

Fig 2.4 Gang drilling machine

2.3.6 Multiple spindle drilling machine

This machine is used for drilling a number of holes in a workpiece simultaneously and
for reproducing the same pattern of holes in a number of identical pieces. A multiple spindle
drilling machine also has several spindles. A single motor using a set of gears drives all the
spindles. All the spindles holding the drills are fed into the work at the same time. The
distances between the spindles can be altered according to the locations where holes are to
be drilled. Drill jigs are used to guide the drills.

2.3.7 Deep hole drilling machine

A special machine and drills are required to drill deeper holes in barrels of gun,
spindles and connecting rods. The machine designed for this purpose is known as deep hole
drilling machine. High cutting speeds and less feed are necessary to drill deep holes. A non-
rotating drill is fed slowly into the rotating work at high speeds. Coolant should be used
while drilling in this machine. There are two different types of deep hole drilling machines
1. Vertical type 2. Horizontal type

2.4 Size of a drilling machine

Drilling machines are specified according to their type.

A portable drilling machine is specified by the maximum diameter of the drill that it can
handle.

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 The size of the sensitive and upright drilling machines are specified by the size of the
largest workpiece that can be centered under the spindle. It is slightly smaller than twice the
distance between the face of the column and the axis of the spindle.

Particulars such as maximum size of the drill that the machine can operate, diameter of
the table, maximum travel of the spindle, numbers and range of spindle speeds and feeds
available, morse taper number of the drill spindle, floor space required, weight of the
machine, power input are also needed to specify the machine completely. The size of the
radial drilling machine is specified by the diameter of the column and length of the radical
arm.

2.5 Drill spindle assembly

A drill spindle assembly is illustrated in Fig. 2.5. The drill spindle is a vertical shaft,
which holds the drill. A long keyway is cut on the spindle and a sliding key connects it with
a bevel gear or a stepped cone pulley. It receives motion from the driving motor. The spindle
rotates within a non-rotating sleeve known as quill. The spindle and the sleeve are
connected by a thrust bearing.

Keyway on the spindle

Spindle Nut

Thrust bearing
Rack

Pinion

Sleeve

Thrust bearing

Washer

Lower end of the spindle

Fig 2.5 Drill spindle

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 Rack teeth are cut on the outer surface of the quill. The sleeve (quill) may be moved up
and down by rotating a pinion which meshes with the rack. This movement is given to the
spindle for providing the required feed. As there is a long keyway on top of the spindle, it is
connected to the driving mechanism even during the feed movement.

A morse taper hole is provided at the lower end of the spindle. It is useful in
accommodating a taper shank drill. The tang of the drill fits into a slot provided at the end of
the taper hole. To remove the drill from the spindle a drift may be pushed through the slot.

The spindle drive is obtained in three methods. They are:

1. Step cone pulley drive

2. Step cone pulley with back gear arrangement
3. Gear box drive

2.6 Work holding devices

The work should be held firmly on the machine table before performing any operation
on it. As the drill exerts very high quantity of torque while rotating, the work should not be
held by hand. If the workpiece is not held by a proper holding device, it will start rotating
along with the tool causing injuries to the operator and damage to the machine.

The devices used for holding the work in a drilling machine are

1. Drill vise
2. ‘T’ - bolts and clamps
3. Step block
4. V - block
5. Angle plate
6. Drill jigs

2.6.1 Drill vise

Vise is one of the important devices used for holding workpices on a drilling machine
table. The work is clamped in a vise between a fixed jaw and a movable jaw.

Parallel blocks are placed below the work so that the drill may completely pass
through the work without damaging the table. Different types of vises are used for holding
different types of work and for performing different operations.

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 The different types of vises are
1. Plain vise
2. Swivel vise
3. Tilting vise
4. Universal vise
A plain vise is shown in Fig. 2.6.
Movable jaw
Screw
Fixed jaw
Work

Fig 2.6 Drill vice

2.6.2 ‘T’ - bolts and clamps
The workpieces can be held directly on the machine table by means of ‘T’ - bolts and
clamps. The top of the machine table has ‘T’ - slots into which ‘T’ - bolts may be fitted. The
bolts of diameter 15 to 20mm are used. The clamps are made of mild steel. ‘T’ - bolts pass
through a central hole on the clamp. The clamp is made to rest horizontally on the work
surface by placing a suitable step block at the other end of the work.

Some of the common types of clamps are: Plain slot clamp, goose-neck clamp and
finger clamp. Fig. 2.7 illustrates ‘T’ - bolt and a clamp.
‘T’ bolt
Clamp

Step block
Work

Fig 2.7
‘T’ bolt & clamp

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2.6.3 Step blocks
The step blocks are used in
combination with ‘T’ - bolts and clamps
for holding the work directly on the
table. The step block supports the
other end of the clamp. Workpieces of
different heights are held by leveling the
clamp on different steps of the step
block. Fig. 2.8 illustrates a step
block.
Fig 2.8 Step block
2.6.4 ‘V’ - block
‘V’ - blocks are used for holding cylindrical workpieces. The work may be supported
on two or three ‘V’ - blocks according to the length of the work. The work is held on the
‘V’ groove and is clamped by straps and bolts. They are made of cast iron or steel and are
accurately machined. Fig. 2.9 shows the use of a ‘V’ - block.

Screw

‘U’ clamp

Work

‘V’ block

Fig 2.9 ‘V’ block

2.6.5 Angle plate

Angle plates have two faces at right angle to each other and are made of cast iron.
It resembles the English alphabet ‘L’. All the sides of a angle plate are machined accurately.
Slots and holes are provided on both the faces of the angle plate. Work is clamped on one
of its faces by means of bolts and nuts. The use of an angle plate is shown in Fig. 2.10

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 Work
Angle plate

Fig 2.10 Angle plate

2.6.6 Drill Jig
Drill jigs are used in mass production process. A jig is specially designed to hold the
work securely and to guide the tool at any desired position. Holes may be drilled at the
same relative positions on each of the identical workpieces.

The work is clamped and removed easily. The cost of making a drill jig is more but a
low order of skill is sufficient to work with a drill jig. Fig 2.11 illustrates a drill jig.

Different types of drill jigs are

1. Plate jig 4. Box jig
2. Channel jig 5. Indexing jig.
3. Diameter jig
Drill ‘T’ bolt

Drill bush

Jig

Work

Table

Fig 2.11 Drill jig

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2.7 Tools used in a drilling machine
Different tools are used for performing different types of operations. The most
commonly used tools in a drilling machine are
1. Drill
2. Reamer
3. Counterbore
4. Countersink
5. Tap

2.7.1 Drill
A drill is a tool used to originate a hole in a solid material. A helical groove known as
‘flute’ is cut along the length of the drill.
Different types of drills are
1. Flat Drill
2. Straight fluted drill
3. Twist drill
4. Centre drill

Twist drills are the type generally used in shop work. They are made of High speed
steel (HSS) or High carbon steel.

There are two types of twist drills namely (i) Straight shank twist drill and (ii) Taper
shank twist drill. The diameter of the straight shank drill ranges from 2 to 16mm. Taper
shanks are provided on drills of larger diameter.

2.7.2 Reamer
The tool used for enlarging and finishing a previously drilled hole is known as a reamer.
It is a multi tooth cutter and removes smaller amount of material. It gives a better fnish and
accurate dimension.

2.7.3 Counterbore
A Counterbore is a multi tooth cutting tool used for enlarging the top of the previously
machined hole. It has three or four cutting teeth.

The flutes on them may be straight or helical. Straight fluted tools are used for
machining softer materials like brass and aluminium and for short depth of cut. Helical fluted
counterbores are used for longer holes.

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2.7.4 Countersink
A countersink has cutting edges on its conical surfaces. It has a similar construction of
a counterbore except for the angle of the cutting edges.The angle of countersinks will
generally be 60°, 82° or 90°. It is used for enlarging the top of the holes conically.

2.7.5 Tap
A tap has threads like a bolt.It has three to four flutes cut across the threads. It can cut
threads on the inside of a hole. The flutes on the threads form the cutting edges. It is a multi
point cutting tool. It will dig into the walls of the hole as the lower part of the tap is slightly
tapered. The shank of the tap is square shaped to enable it to be held by a tap wrench.

2.7.6 Twist drill nomenclature

Axis
It is the longitudinal centerline of the drill running through the centres of the tang and
the chisel edge.

Body
It is the part of the drill from its extreme point to the commencement of the neck, if
present. Otherwise, it is the part extending upto the commencement of the shank. Helical
grooves are cut on the body of the drill.

Shank
It is the part of the drill by which it is held and driven. It is found just above the body
of the drill. The shank may be straight or taper. The shank of the drill can be fitted directly
into the spindle or by a tool holding device.

Tang
The flattened end of the taper shank is known as tang. It is meant to fit into a slot in
the spindle or socket. It ensures a positive drive of the drill.

Neck
It is the part of the drill, which is diametrically undercut between the body and the
shank of the drill. The size of the drill is marked on the neck.

Point
It is the sharpened end of the drill. It is shaped to produce lips, faces, flanks and chisel edge.

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Lip
It is the edge formed by the intersection of flank and face. There are two lips and both
of them should be of equal length. Both lips should be at the same angle of inclination with
the axis (59°).

Flute length

Neck
Tang
Flute Land
Flank

Shank Body

Overall length

Lip clearance angle

Rake angle
Land
Flank

Chisel
edge Face
angle
Chisel edge Lip Point angle

Fig 2.12 Twist drill nomenclature

Land
It is the cylindrically ground surface on the leading edges of the drill flutes adjacent to
the body clearance surface. The alignment of the drill is maintained by the land. The hole is
maintained straight and to the right size.

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Flutes
The grooves in the body of the drill are known as flutes. Flutes form the cutting edges
on the point. It allows the chips to escape and make them curl. It permits the cutting fluid to
reach the cutting edges.

Angles
Chisel edge angle
The obtuse angle included between the chisel edge and the lip as viewed from the end
of the drill. It usually ranges from 120° to 135°.

Helix angle or rake angle

The helix or rake angle is the angle formed by the leading edge of the land with a plane
having the axis of the drill. If the flute is straight, parallel to the drill axis, then there would be
no rake. If the flute is right handed, then it is positive rake and the rake is negative if it is left
handed. The usual value of rake angle is 30° or 45°.

Point angle
This is the angle included between the two lips projected upon a plane parallel to the
drill axis and parallel to the two cutting lips. The usual point angle is 118°. When hard alloys
are drilled the value increases.

Lip clearance angle

The angle formed by the flank and a plane at right angles to the drill axis. The angle is
normally measured at the periphery of the drill. The lip clearance angle ranges from 12° to 15°.

2.8 Tool holding devices

Different tools are used for performing different operations. They are fitted into the
drill spindle by different methods. They are

1. By directly fitting in the spindle

2. By a sleeve
3. By a socket
4. By a chuck
5. Tapping attachment

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2.8.1 Spindle
Almost all drilling machines have their spindle bored out to a standard taper(1:20) to
receive the taper shank of the tool. While fitting the tool, the shank of the drill (or any other
tool) is forced into the tapered hole and the tool is gripped by friction. The tool may be
rotated with the spindle by friction between the tapered surface and the spindle. But to
ensure a positive drive, the tang of the tool fits into a slot at the end of the taper hole. The
tool may be removed by pressing a tapered wedge known as drift into the slotted hole of the
spindle.

2.8.2 Sleeve
The drill spindle is suitable for holding only one size of tool shank. If the shank of the
tool is smaller than the taper in the spindle hole, a taper sleeve is used. The outside taper of
the sleeve conforms to the spindle taper and the inside taper holds the shanks of the smaller
size tools. The sleeve has a flattened end or tang which fits into the slot of the spindle. The
tang of the tool fits into a slot provided at the end of the taper hole of the sleeve. Different
sizes of tool shanks may be held by using different sizes of sleeve. In order to remove the
drill from the spindle, the drill along with the sleeve is removed with the help of a drift. The
drill is then removed from the sleeve by the same method.

Fig. 2.13 illustrates a sleeve.

Tang
Tang

Taper shank
Slot

Taper body Slot

Body

Fig 2.13 Drill sleeve Fig 2.14 Drill socket

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2.8.3 Socket
Drill sockets are much longer in size than the drill sleeves. A socket consists of a solid
shank attached to the end of a cylindrical body. The taper shank of the socket conforms to
the taper of the drill spindle and fits into it. The body of the socket has a tapered hole larger
than the drill spindle taper into which the taper shank of any tool may be fitted. The tang of
the socket fits into slot of the spindle and the tang of the tool fits slot of the socket.
Fig. 2.14 illustrates a socket.

2.8.4 Drill chuck

This type of chuck is particularly adapted for holding tools having straight shanks. The
drill chuck has a taper shank which fits into the taper hole of the spindle. The jaws fitted in
the body of the chuck holds the straight shank drills. Fig. 2.15 illustrates a drill chuck.

Shank

Nut
Sleeve

Key Spring

Body
Clutch plates
Jaws

Fig 2.16
Fig 2.15 Drill chuck Tapping attachment

2.8.5. Tapping attachment

The tapping attachment is used to hold the tool known as ‘tap’. It serves as a flexible
connection between the spindle and the tap. The taper shank of the attachment is fitted into
the drill spindle. The tap is fitted at the bottom of the attachment. The tap is fed into the
specific hole by the spindle, rotating it in clockwise direction. After the threads are cut, the
spindle is released from the hole. The bottom of the attachment rotates in anti-clockwise
direction causing no damage to the tapped hole. Tapping attachments are used during
production work. Fig. 2.16 illustrates a tapping attachment.

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2.9 Drilling machine operations
Though drilling is the primary operation performed in a drilling machine, a number of
similar operations are also performed on holes using different tools.The different operations
that can be performed in a drilling machine are:

1. Drilling
2. Reaming
3. Boring
4. Counterboring
5. Countersinking
6. Spot facing
7. Tapping
8. Trepanning

2.9.1 Drilling
Drilling is the operation of producing a cylindrical hole of required diameter and depth
by removing metal by the rotating edge of a cutting tool called drill. Drilling is one of the
simplest methods of producing a hole. Drilling does not produce an accurate hole in a
workpiece. The internal surface of the hole generated by drilling becomes rough and the
hole is always slightly oversize due to vibration of the spindle and the drill. A hole made by
a drill of size 12mm will measure approximately upto 12.125mm and by a drill of size 22mm
will measure upto 22.5mm. Fig. 2.17 illustrates drilling operation.

Drill

Work

Fig 2.17 Drilling

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