Drilling, boring and surfacing sharpening.

Metal drilling, boring, and sharpening are essential techniques in metalworking. Various machines and techniques can be used to create holes in metal, enlarge existing holes, and sharpen metal tools, respectively.

By understanding these techniques and practising them effectively, you can create accurate and precise metal parts, enlarge existing holes, and restore the sharp edge of metal tools.

Need some surface dressing done or tools sharpened?

We’re here for all your drilling, boring or surface sharpening needs. In-house tool making also available.

Boring is a metalworking technique used to create or enlarge an existing hole. It involves using a boring tool inserted into the hole and rotated to enlarge it.

Boring can be performed using a lathe or a milling machine with the correct tool.

Sharpening is the process of restoring the sharp edge of a metal tool. Tools like drill bits saw blades, and chisels can become dull over time, making them less effective and more difficult to use.

Sharpening them can restore their effectiveness and extend their lifespan.

Drilling, Boring and Surfacing Sharpening.

The heavy-duty turret mill is basically a sophisticated drill that can drill precise, complex hole patterns using the DRO (Digitial Read Out) on the mill. A large rotary table is used in conjunction with dividing head accessories, making this especially usable for refurbishing some automotive components or fitting non-standard parts.

It is possible to execute a circular pattern of holes in any workpiece precisely with repeatability. Fly cutting or surface dressing is available and boring to detailed tolerances and specified surface finishes.

A fly cutter is a specialised tool for surface finishing large surface areas, such as automotive heads and block castings, with a width of up to 285mm. Modern automotive finishes for heads can be demanding in terms of desired surface finish. These can be tackled productively with the right choice of tooling.

As well as the capabilities of the milling and lathe machines, surface grinding in specialist machinery is also offered. Four other specialised machines handle tasks such as cutting bulk stock to length, sharpening tool bits and drills, and surface grinding of technical components.

These machines include a Jones and Shipman 540 hydraulic surface grinder, capable of
dynamically grinding flat surfaces, which is particularly helpful in making special tooling for subsequent production. The workpiece on the Jones and Shipman is typically held with a magnetic surface chuck preferred for the non-distortion of delicate parts during the machining. This grinder is semi-automatic, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability between workpieces.

A wide range of sharpening surfaces is also offered, including tungsten-tipped tooling. Drill bits up to 50mm can be sharpened, and bulk lots of drill bits can be sharpened at an affordable rate.

With in-house tool making available, special HSS (High-Speed Steel) cutting tools can also be made on request.

Most types of gear teeth can be reproduced in the workshop, along with appropriate hardening via heat treatment on the premises.

Most shafting bushings and bearing housings can be remade or repaired, with a press available on-site to install them.

A wide range of general fitting tasks can also be undertaken, such as bull-nose milling, ramping work, and slotting stock for guideways. Weld build-up of worn parts can also be dressed to their original size again, representing a substantial cost and time saving by minimising parts wear and breakage.