To Bore or Not to Bore?

Drilling or Boring?

While drilling and boring remove material to create holes, there are differences that are important to understand. First, drilling takes place before boring during the manufacturing process to create the initial hole. Boring is a secondary process that enlarges that initial hole; generally widening the hole. Because boring is a more precise method, it produces a fine surface finish with high dimensional accuracy.

Reaming or Boring?

Though both are cutting processes that work on an already drilled or cast hole, that is where the similarities between boring and reaming end. Boring tools use a single pointed head, while a reaming tool uses rotating cutters. Boring broadens the pre-existing hole, while reaming removes small parts of the material to create smooth walls.

Turning or Boring?

Turning utilizes a static, non-rotatory cutting tool to remove material from the exterior of a workpiece and boring uses a single cutting tool with a pointed head to broaden a pre-existing hole inside a workpiece.

Both of these machining processes can use a lathe. However, boring is a more flexible method and can be performed on other devices, such as a milling machine.

Universal DeVlieg provides innovative and cost-cutting tool holding and high precision boring solutions to the machine tool industry, servicing a diversified customer base. The combination of over 32,000 active part numbers, over 10,000 standard items, and our technical support staff deliver design engineering expertise that is unmatched in the industry. To learn more about Universal DeVlieg, contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 877.308.3077 or visit at universaldevlieg.com.