Basic introduction of indexable drill bit

An indexable drill is a type of drill bit that is designed to be used in a rotating tool, such as a drill press or milling machine. It has a cutting edge that is made up of multiple small inserts, which can be rotated or replaced when they become worn or damaged. This allows the drill bit to be used for a longer period of time before it needs to be replaced, making it more cost-effective and efficient than traditional drill bits.

Indexable drills are often used for drilling holes in metal, but they can also be used for drilling holes in wood and other materials. They are particularly useful for drilling large or deep holes, or for drilling holes in materials that are difficult to machine, such as hardened steel or titanium.

Indexable drills offer significant advantages over conventional twist drills. With them, machinists can drill holes at faster cutting speeds, change cutting edges faster, and, with the right insert selection, can drill holes in a wider range of materials. When machinists set up and use indexable drills correctly, they can increase productivity and increase profits.

The use of indexable drills is generally limited to shorter hole depths. Conventional indexable drills have a maximum ratio of hole depth to drill diameter of about 4:1. This means a 1" diameter drill bit can drill a hole 4" deep (4 x 1 =4").

When setting up indexable drills for holes in a range of drilling depths, the user must take care to properly position the tool relative to the spindle and workpiece, ensuring that the centerlines of the drill and spindle are parallel.