How To Choose the Right Line Boring Machine

The success of any line boring job will rely on some factors common to many machining tasks. That includes considerations like the types of line boring needed, which will often dictate the best line boring machine to use. For example, line boring typical automotive engines will have fewer demands on the line boring machine than line boring for heavy equipment engines.

Types of Line Boring

The differences in the demands of the different kinds of line boring jobs also equate to different types of line boring processes. High-speed steel and carbide are the line boring options machinists work with today, and each has its unique purpose and benefits.

Choosing the right line boring machine and the best line-boring option will require understanding how high-speed steel and carbide line boring works. The rudimentary concept is that high-speed steel works like a sharp-edged box knife, only strong enough to endure hard cutting surfaces (to a point).

Carbide, on the other hand, has been likened to a whittling knife designed to endure steady, constant, and repeated cuts. In most cases, carbide will be needed for the hardest surfaces or the deepest bores.

Types of Line Boring Tools

It doesn’t matter what type of line boring option you choose; there are also a few other line boring tools that you will want and need. From measuring diameter and height to adjusting the boring head or locating boring lines, the right tools will ensure the success of your line boring job.

A few tools that machinists rely on and that will help with your next engine repair or line boring job include:

  • Bore Measuring Tool
  • Micro-Adjust Boring Heads
  • Dial Indicator Set
  • Carbide Holder Set
  • Digital Bore Measuring Caliper

The right tools for the job will make any job easier. When it comes to line boring jobs, however, it isn’t only about being easier but more effective, accurate, and precise. That is also why Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. is here, offering professional equipment repair services when it has to be right.

Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc.

Welcome to Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We are a family-owned and operated heavy-duty equipment repair service. Since 1984, we have been serving Lexington, Oregon, and the surrounding communities with friendly and professional equipment repair services.

We specialize in providing repairs and services for all your equipment needs, from farm equipment, utility equipment, trucks, cylinders, and more. We also offer on-site repair, line boring services, welding, machining, hose assembly services, steel sales, and other machine products. Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule a service call today.

What Is Line Boring?

Proper line boring is essential in making many types of machinery run smoothly, including engines of all types. This is a precise undertaking that requires exacting specifications, specialized equipment and lots of experience to get the job done right.

How does line boring work? Read on to find out more about what all goes into line boring.

Line boring, defined

There are many different types of line boring, but simply put, line boring can be boiled down to enlarging a hole that has already been cast in a piece of metal. The reason for this is to line up two holes and make them collinear.

This is common in machines like engine blocks, turbines, presses and more. If holes are misaligned or not collinear, the resulting vibration can cause the machine to shut down or malfunction in other ways.

Line boring process

Here’s how line boring works. First, the holes are lined up to their centers. Then a boring head is drilled through the holes to make their diameters even. This must be very precise and may require a variety of specialized tools.

Line boring can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple weeks. For complex jobs, an engineer may come out to the site and inspect the equipment that needs repair. Measurements will be taken and the tools needed will be identified and readied for use.

It might be the case that custom line boring needs to be done, especially if worn-out bores need to be returned to factory specifications. In this case, repair sleeves may need to be installed to decrease the size of a bore rather than widening another bore to match a worn-out one.

In the case of large machinery repair, line boring can be done on-site. This can be a cost-effective solution when compared to buying a new machine. It can also be much more efficient, as line boring work can often be completed faster than waiting for a new machine to be delivered and installed.

Why you may need line boring work

There are many reasons why line boring may be necessary for your equipment. Sometimes bore issues are the result of hydraulic pressure loss or just heavy use of the equipment over time. Other times, the bushings or bearings may have seized up, leading to bore damage.

Line boring can help restore worn-out or otherwise damaged or out-of-round bores. It can also help restore the correct bore alignment (this is often known as align boring). Line boring can also help change or correct bore centers or alignment.

The process of line boring is highly specialized and should always be performed by an experienced professional. When you need line boring or if you want to know more about what all goes into line boring before deciding if you need it done, get in touch with the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. today. We are ready to handle all your line boring needs in our shop or on-site for heavy machinery and equipment.