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Home » News » Common problems and Solutions in the Use of radial drilling machines

Common problems and Solutions in the Use of radial drilling machines

Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2026-01-29      Origin: Site

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The column and the swing arm lifting mechanism of the swing arm drilling machine are driven by the motor installed inside the base to rotate the lead screw, which in turn drives the external column to rotate. The interior of the rocker arm is equipped with a turbine and a worm. The lead screw rotates in the turbine and is connected to the motor through the worm, thereby achieving the up and down movement of the rocker arm. This lifting structure belongs to the mechanical electric type and is commonly found in mechanical radial drilling machines. The hydraulic radial drilling machine, on the other hand, uses a hydraulic device to achieve the lifting function.

The key components of the thread tapping oil used in the drilling process of the radial drilling machine include chloride additives, active sulfurized fatty oil and special lubricating additives. These components together endow the tapping oil with excellent lubricity, which can significantly reduce the cutting temperature and ensure high-precision cutting results. This oil product has been widely used in high-difficulty cutting operations of difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel and heat-resistant steel, including high-speed turning, drilling, tapping, broaching, gear hobbing and planing, etc. In addition, the radial drilling machine is also suitable for various processing of iron metals and alloy steels, which can effectively protect the cutting tools and improve the surface finish of the workpieces. Its outstanding anti-rust function also provides reliable protection for the processed workpieces, making it a powerful assistant in the production of high-precision stainless steel workpieces. Before drilling, it is essential to make thorough preparations.

1. Grinding of the drill bit of the swing arm drill

Before drilling, if it is found that the drill bit is worn or the shape of the cutting part has changed, it must be ground to ensure the cutting effect of the drill bit.


2. Workpiece clamping

When a radial drilling machine is drilling, it will select the appropriate fixture according to the size of the workpiece. For smaller and flat workpieces, hand vise can be used for clamping. If drilling is to be done on a flat workpiece, wooden blocks should be placed under the item and fixed to the drilling machine's worktable with screws. For circular or axial workpieces, a pressure plate and screws should be used to tightly press the workpiece against the V-shaped block on the worktable for operation.


3. Determination of cutting parameters for radial drills

When drilling, the appropriate cutting feed rate and speed should be selected according to the different materials. When processing hard materials, the feed rate should be smaller and the speed lower. When processing light materials, the feed rate can be larger and the speed higher. When drilling with a small drill bit, the speed can be slightly faster and the feed rate should be smaller. When using a large drill bit, the cutting speed should be slower and the feed rate should be moderate.


4. Tapping techniques with swing arm drills

When you first start tapping, rotate the swivel drill forward and apply a little force with your left hand to make the tap cut in. After a few cuts, the left hand only needs to move along with the handle. When the predetermined depth is reached, start to reverse. When the tap is retracted upwards, gently lift the tap with your left hand until it is completely withdrawn from the screw hole. If the hole being tapped is blind, the depth should be determined before tapping, and the tap should be quickly reversed and withdrawn after reaching the depth. When setting the depth, a few millimeters of allowance should be reserved to prevent the tap from breaking.


5. Processing methods of radial drilling machines

During processing, the spindle box is fastened to the rocker arm guide rail through a special clamping device, the outer column is fastened to the inner column, and the rocker arm is fastened to the outer column. Then the drilling process is carried out, with the drill bit performing longitudinal feed while rotating and cutting.


The main motion of a radial drilling machine is the rotation of the spindle, which is the core action during the drilling process.

Feed motion refers to the longitudinal feed of the spindle, which determines the cutting depth of the drill bit.

In addition to the main motion and feed motion, the swing-arm drilling machine also has a series of auxiliary motions, including the vertical movement of the swing-arm along the outer column, the movement of the headstock in the length direction of the swing-arm, and the rotary motion of the swing-arm and the outer column together around the inner column. These auxiliary movements make the operation more flexible and diverse.

Next, we will explore the technical maintenance of the swing-arm drill, especially its adjustment.


The adjustment of the safety clutch for the rocker arm drilling

First, the upper right panel of the spindle box of the swing-arm drill needs to be opened. Then, by adjusting the round nut to change the pressure of the spring, the resistance during the spindle feed is regulated to reach the predetermined standard value. Please note that for certain models of machine tools, such as Hengsaixin machine tools, their products have been thoroughly debugged by professional manufacturers before leaving the factory. Therefore, users usually do not need to make such adjustments. If adjustments are indeed necessary, they should be carried out by professionals with experience in using radial drills.

Adjustment of the balance force of the spindle of the swing-arm drill

First, the limit block at the outer end of the rocker arm needs to be removed, and the spindle box should be moved to a position where the balance spring box can be clearly seen. Next, use tools to fix the spring box and remove the limit screws. Then, carefully rotate the spring box to the appropriate Angle and use the screw to limit it. Finally, conduct tests on the equilibrium situation until the ideal equilibrium state is achieved. Please note that when making such adjustments, be sure to operate with caution to ensure safety.


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