Selection

Choosing between a dedicated deep hole drilling machine and using a standard CNC machine depends on the volume and depth requirements. I have worked with both configurations across multiple shops and the answer is rarely a simple one-size-fits-all. Over the years I have developed a framework for making this decision based on production volume, depth-to-diameter ratio, and tolerance requirements. Cost Breakdown: Dedicated vs Standard Machine A dedicated deep hole drilling machine costs $150,000 to $400,000 new, but the purchase price is only the beginning. When I put together a full cost comparison for a shop considering this investment, I look at several categories beyond the machine itself. ...

I select drill tubes based on diameter and length for the job. The drill tube connects the BTA cutting head to the machine spindle. It must be straight, rigid, and properly maintained to produce straight holes. A bad tube produces a bad bore no matter how good the cutting head is. Tube Diameter Selection The tube diameter is determined by the hole size and the coolant flow requirement. The tube OD needs to be about 8-12mm smaller than the bore diameter to allow coolant to flow through the annulus between the tube and the bore wall. If the tube is too small, the coolant flow is restricted and chip evacuation suffers. ...