At Buell Automatics, we understand that the most dependable solutions usually come from blending time-tested methods with smart and purposeful upgrades. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in our deep hole drilling (DHD) capabilities: a process that demands both mechanical finesse and intelligent engineering.
Manufacturers have relied on Buell to produce components where precision is a necessity for decades. The integrity of a deep hole can determine the success of an entire assembly. That’s why we’ve refined our approach, combining legacy machinery with our own proprietary advancements to deliver holes that are cleaner, straighter and more efficient than conventional methods allow.
The Science of Deep Hole Drilling
Deep hole drilling is defined by its depth-to-diameter ratio of 6:1 or greater, a challenge that demands specialized techniques. Traditional drilling has a hard time with heat dissipation, chip evacuation and maintaining straightness over extended depths.
Buell’s solution? Coolant-through (CT) drilling, where high-pressure coolant (up to 2,000 psi) is forced directly through the drill bit.
This method:
- Reduces heat buildup, extending tool life
- Eliminates chip clogging, ensuring smooth operation
- Maintains dimensional accuracy, even in tough materials
Unlike multi-step processes that require reaming or secondary operations, our CT drilling achieves finished holes in a single pass saving time, reducing waste and improving consistency.
Reinventing the Davenport: A Buell Innovation
Our Davenport multi-spindle screw machines have been a cornerstone of Buell’s production since the 1960s. But while these machines were built to last, their original configurations weren’t optimized for today’s deep hole drilling demands.
So we took matters into our own hands.
The Buell-Exclusive Coolant-Through Upgrade
Recognizing the need for better performance in high-volume drilling, our engineers developed a custom coolant-through system for our Davenports. This was a complete reengineering of the drilling process and provided:
- Faster production cycles: No pecking, no interruptions
- Superior chip evacuation: High-pressure coolant clears debris instantly
- Extended tool longevity: Less wear means fewer interruptions for bit changes
This upgrade transformed our classic machines into high-efficiency DHD workhorses, proving that even decades-old equipment can outperform modern alternatives when paired with the right expertise.
Why Buell’s Deep Hole Drilling Stands Apart
Industries from aerospace to medical manufacturing rely on our deep hole drilling for components where tolerances are tight and reliability is a necessity.
1. Single-Pass Efficiency
No secondary operations. No rework. Our CT drilling delivers finished holes in one step and reduces cycle times and eliminates unnecessary handling.
2. Unmatched Straightness & Surface Finish
Even in challenging materials like stainless steel or hardened alloys, our process maintains exceptional hole straightness, which is critical for hydraulic fittings, fuel injectors and precision bushings.
3. Material Versatility
From brass and aluminum to high-nickel alloys, our drills are designed to perform across a broad spectrum of metals without sacrificing quality.
4. Cost-Effective Production
We help customers achieve better margins without compromising quality by minimizing tool wear, scrap rates and machine downtime.
Applications That Demand Buell’s Expertise
Our deep hole drilling serves industries where precision is required:
- Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems (fittings, valve bodies)
- Automotive & Aerospace (fuel injectors, pistons, actuators)
- Medical Devices (surgical instruments, implant components)
- Industrial Equipment (bushings, compression limiters, adapters)
Whether it’s a hose fitting requiring a flawless internal bore or a defense component with strict tolerances, Buell’s process ensures repeatable, high-integrity results.
The Buell Approach
Not only do we operate machines, we study them, refine them and sometimes reinvent them. Our deep hole drilling capabilities are a testament to that mindset. We’ve created a solution that bridges the best of both worlds by combining the durability of legacy Davenport machines with our own high-pressure coolant advancements: proven reliability and forward-thinking performance.
