Drilling Tips for Optimal Production:

• Making sure the spindle is adjusted correctly is important. If not, drills will penetrate the wood blocks too far adding stress to the bits and the drill machine itself. Worn or damaged spindles need to be replaced.

• Even with CHT, drill bits can clog at times. Always remember to make sure to clean your drill bits to prevent the buildup.

• Neglecting to sharpen your drill bits is the number one issue for quality problems. It results in lost production and stress on equipment.  Make sure to always sharpen them during production when necessary (which could be from one hour to multiple shifts). Grade and type of stock greatly determine sharpening intervals. Recycled paper can be the toughest on bits, but there are many exotic stocks and substrates that prove to be a challenge as well.

• Set the drill depth so it just cuts the bottom sheet. There is no need to cut deeply into the stick.

• Not only do your drills need to be cleaned, but they also need to be properly lubricated. If not, clogging will occur. This will also prevent the drill from overheating. Use CHT!

• You could also use drill ease wax. It works as a great lubricant for your drilling needs.

• Use clothes pins on drills to cause friction to keep the adhesive from hardening when drilling perfect bound books. This is especially helpful when you are drilling coated or laminated paper. The clothespin will generate enough heat to keep the plastic soft so it doesn’t clog.

• Fluted CHT drills help when you are drilling aqueous coated sheets.