The Boeing Company

Steve L Arana

Ike C Schevers

Michael D Katzenberger

Anthony P Slade

David L Fritsche

A method of cutting a slot using an apparatus comprising a carriage that is movable along an axis, a cutting tool, and a depth controller. The cutting tool may be removably attached to the carriage. The depth controller may be used to select a cutting depth of the cutting tool with respect to a surface of a workpiece closest to a part.

Method of cutting a slot

In an advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a housing associated with a machine, a shaft, a sleeve, and a biasing system. The shaft is associated with the housing, and the shaft has an end configured to receive a tool. The shaft is configured to be rotated by the machine about an axis of rotation extending through the shaft. The sleeve is associated with the housing, and the sleeve has a channel that is configured to receive the shaft. The biasing system is associated with the housing and configured to move the sleeve along the axis of rotation against a workpiece on which a drilling operation is performed during which a sleeve end presses against the workpiece with a force while the shaft with the tool is rotated by the machine.

Drilling system stabilization

A method and apparatus for a cutting tool system. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a carriage that is movable along an axis, a cutting tool, and a depth controller. The cutting tool may be capable of being removably attached to the carriage. The depth controller may be capable of controlling a cutting depth of the cutting tool with respect to a surface of a workpiece closest to a part.

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Collinsville, IL, United States of America

Steve L Arana