Components of Drilling Machines

The components of drilling equipment/machines are extremely important to obtain proper results with the different kinds of tools that were employed. In the list below, there are some construction drilling machine components:

Base: This is the main supporting portion of the machine. It is usually made of heavy gray iron or ductile iron casting, and generally has slots to support structures that are too large for the table.

Column: This generally round-shaped column is usually made from gray cast iron or ductile iron for larger machines, or steel tubing for drill presses which are smaller in size. It supports the table and the top half of the drilling machine.

Table: You can adjust the table up or down the column to reach the proper height. If required, it can also be swiveled around the column to the intended working position. A whopping majority of worktables have slots, holes and other structures and other work holding accessories. Certain tables can also be rotated around the horizontal axis.

Head: The “head” portion houses the spindle, quill, pulleys and the motor. The V-belt attached to the motor, drives a pulley in the front part of the head, and that in turn drives the spindle, which turns the drill. The speeds on a stepped V-shaped pulley drive are altered by periodically changing the position of the aforementioned V-belt. The speed on a variable-speed drive mechanism is controlled or reined by a hand wheel situated on the head; and it’s essential for the spindle to keep spinning at the time this action is carried out.

Quill assembly: The spindle made to rotate within a bearing, keeping it within the ambit of the quill. The latter part (quill) moves in a vertical fashion with the help of a rack and a pinion, which makes it possible to feed or withdraw the cutting tool from the ongoing work process. A morse-shaped tapered hole is located on the lower end of the spindle. Sometimes a threaded spindle is also present where the drill chuck has been mounted. In order to drill larger holes, the drill chuck is removed and the cutting tools are put on.

Angle plates. An angle plate is usually known to support the action by its edge. These very accurately align the work in a perpendicular fashion to the surface of the table, and they usually have holes and slots to help in clamping it to the table and holding the piece together. 

Drill jigs. Drill jigs are used for multi-tasking. That is, when several holes need to be made in one particular place. It has got quite a few functions. It clamps, works in a firm manner and locates it in the correct or favourable position required for drilling. The last, but not the least important function of the drill jig is to guide the drill straight through with the help of ‘drill bushings’.