This simple tool is an inexpensive, easy to use drill bit guide for drilling accurately centered holes with drill presses or mills.
Background: When using a drill press or mill, it can be a significant challenge to drill accurately centered holes quickly without using some type of centering jig. The primary way to avoid this requires a special centering guide jig that can be expensive and time-consuming to set up.
Technology Overview: The subject technology is a device that fits over the end of a drill bit to enable the user to center the bit over a predetermined location, usually made with a center punch. The device slips over the end of the drill bit and is pointed on the end for locating purposes. It can be manufactured in plastic, aluminum, and steel as needed for durability and cost effectiveness. This device takes the place of using other types of centering devices such as edge finders and "wigglers" used in the industry and in-home shops. It is much quicker and less expensive, while providing the same precision and accuracy as more expensive and complicated products for mills and drill presses.
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Advantages: • Quick – 5-minute time savings for lining up 10 holes. • Easy to use. • Less expensive than products providing comparable accuracy.
Applications: The primary application for this technology is guiding a drill press or mill. It could also be used for hand-held drills. This would be useful in applications such as: • Industrial Machining • Carpentry • Woodworking • Home repair
Intellectual Property Summary: Patent application filed 63/471,856.
Stage of Development: TRL 4 - Technology validated in lab
Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing.
Licensing Potential: This technology would be of interest to manufacturers of drill presses, mills or hand-held power drills.