Deep Hole Drilling for Rail Components: Switches, Crossings, and Track Work
Railway infrastructure components — switches, crossings, fishplates, and baseplates — need deep holes for bolting, wiring, and inspection. The work is different from axle drilling. These parts are shorter, wider, and usually made from wear-resistant steel grades. I have worked on rail components for mainline and light rail systems. The challenge is the material: rail steel is tough and abrasive, and it wears cutting tools faster than standard structural steel. Over the years I have developed specific approaches for handling these components, and I want to share what works in this guide to deep hole drilling for rail components. ...