Wood Boring Machines

The rapidity with which holes may be bored in wood enables the feed to be most expeditiously performed by hand or by foot motion. A foot motion leaves both the workman’s hands free to adjust and change the work, and is therefore suitable for light work or work having holes of a moderate depth.

The work tables of wood boring machines are provided with suitable fences for adjusting the work in position, and in some cases with stops to adjust the depth of hole.

Any of the augers or bits that are used in boring by hand may be used in a boring machine, but it is obvious that, as the bit or auger is forced to its feed by hand or foot, and as its revolution is very rapid, the screw point, which is intended as an aid in feeding when the bit is used by hand, is not necessary. On this account most augers for use in machines are provided with triangular points instead of screw points.

In Fig. 3222 is shown a wood boring machine by J. A. Fay & Co. The table is gibbed to a vertical slide on the face of the column, and is adjustable for height by the hand wheel a, which, through the medium of its shaft and a pair of bevel gears, operates the elevating screw b. The spindle c feeds through its bearings, the supporting rod d being pivoted at its lower end to permit c to feed in a straight line vertically. The feeding is done by the treadle f, which operates the rod e.

The table may be set at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal position.

The weight w counterbalances the treadle and brings it to its highest position when the workman’s foot pressure is removed.

The holes may all be gauged to an equal depth (when they are not to pass through the work) by so adjusting the height of the table that the hole is of the required depth when the treadle is depressed to its lowest point, or limit.

Fig. 3223 represents a horizontal boring machine such as used in furniture and piano factories. The spindle feeds through the driving cone, being operated by the treadle shown. The work table is adjustable for height by the hand wheel and elevating screw. The usual fences, stops, and clamping devices may be applied to the table, which is on compound slides to facilitate the adjustment of the work.

Fig. 3223a shows a double spindle horizontal boring machine, in which the table and work are fed up to the boring tools by hand. The spindles are adjustable in their widths apart, and may also be set at an angle. The work table is adjustable for height, and the spindle carrying head is adjustable across the machine.

Fig. 3224 represents a machine by J. A. Fay & Co., for heavy work, rollers taking the place of the work table. The drill spindles are fed by hand from the stirrup handles shown, which are weighted to raise up the spindles as soon as they are released.