Counter-Rotation in Deep Hole Drilling: What It Does and Why It Works
Counter-rotation is the most effective way to drill a straight deep hole. The principle is simple: the tool rotates in one direction and the workpiece rotates in the opposite direction. The relative speed between the tool and workpiece is the sum of both speeds, but the effect on straightness is what matters. I’ve run jobs with and without counter-rotation, and the difference is measurable. Here’s what I’ve learned. How Counter-Rotation Works In conventional deep hole drilling, either the tool rotates while the workpiece is stationary (tool rotation only) or the workpiece rotates while the tool is stationary (workpiece rotation only). Both methods produce a straight hole, but each has limitations. ...