Spade drill bodies really are essential components in metalworking machining processes and as a general drilling tool. As a result, these are designed to give you... Read more below.
Spade drill bodies are tools designed to hold spade drill inserts or spade drill blades, which are used for drilling large, flat-bottomed holes in materials like metal or wood. The spade drill body, though, is the main part that holds the replaceable, flat, spade-shaped blade. The blade can then be easily swapped out when it becomes dull or when a different size is needed, while the drill body stays the same over many iterations. As a result, Spade drill bodies are often used in industrial work and manufacturing because they allow for quick changes and are cost-effective for drilling large holes.
How to Select the Right Spade Drill Body For You?
Spade drill bodies really are essential components in metalworking machining processes and as a general drilling tool. As a result, these are designed to give you precise drilling options accordingly.
For instance, these machine tools are particularly known for their ability to drill large holes efficiently in various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, to name just a couple.
This is because a spade drill body houses a replaceable cutting edge and insert that does the actual cutting, while the body itself provides the necessary rigidity and support during the drilling process.
Unlike traditional drill bits, spade drill bodies are preferred in many industrial settings due to their replaceable inserts - which make them more cost-effective, especially for repeated use.
This is because this design helps minimise your downtime, as only the milling insert needs replacement after wear, not the entire tool itself.
As a result, spade drills are a very popular choice in industries like automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing due to this.
However, to help you work out which is the best Spade Drill Body for you, we have put together this handy guide to help you make a more informed buying decision about the correct drilling tool for you.
Why Are Spade Drill Bodies Important in Machining?
Spade drill bodies are really important for helping you achieve precision in your drilling applications.
This is due to their strong and robust design that allows them to handle tough materials - ensuring that even under high-speed or high-pressure conditions, they maintain their performance and accuracy, as a result.
Interchangeable inserts
Additionally, their use of interchangeable inserts means that your machinists can also optimise them for different materials and hole sizes as well, all without needing to change your entire setup, either.
Maintain Accuracy
In machining, maintaining the accuracy of your hole sizes is more than key, especially when working with materials that are difficult to machine.
Spade drill bodies here offer you an advantage thanks to their stability, reducing vibration and allowing for smoother, more precise cuts as a result.
Furthermore, their flexible design also makes them an economical solution for high-volume production environments as well.
How to Choose the Right Spade Drill Body For Your Application?
When selecting a spade drill body, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Material Type
Select the material of the bit (HSS, solid carbide drills, or powder metal coated) based on the material being drilled and the desired tool life.
Length Requirements
You also want to consider the overall length, shank length, and flute length to ensure that they are compatible with your milling machine and the max drill depth of the hole you need.
Flute Design
You also want to choose the flute design that best matches your application - whether it’s a spiral or straight flute, for instance.
Shank Type
Then you want to make sure that you have chosen the correct shank type and that it is compatible with your machine - to avoid any fitting issues or slippage during operation from then occurring.
Brand Reputation
Lastly, you want to consider the brand of bit you are buying, such as Allied Machine and Hertel, which are leading brands known for quality - so choosing from reputable manufacturers will also help you get a very reliable performance as well.
Understanding Spade Drill Body Types
Spade drill bodies also come in various types, each suited to specific applications.
For instance, these variations can cater to different hole depths, materials, and machine setups, with the most common types including:
Short Length Straight Flute
These are more ideal for shorter, shallow drilling applications where rigidity and precision are more key.
Extended Length Spiral Flutes
Designed for deeper holes, this type allows for efficient chip evacuation, all while reducing heat buildup, which helps with increasing the bit's longevity as a result.
Some Spade bits can also have through coolant supply that comes from the rear of the shank to help to cool down the heat being created as well.
Stub Length Straight Flute
These are best for tight spaces and setups that require shorter drilling depths, for example.
Intermediate Length Spiral Flute
These give you a great option that balances the need for depth and chip removal as a result.
Standard Length Spiral Flute
This design offers you a great balance of performance and strength for standard drilling operations.
Extended Length Straight Flute
These then give you extended reach, all without compromising on your performance, and are used for deeper drilling tasks on the whole.
Consequently, as you can see each type offers you distinct advantages depending on the application you need, allowing your machinists to choose the most appropriate tool for the task at hand as a result.
Spade Drill Body Brands
When selecting spade drill bodies, brand reliability is also a key consideration, with two well-known brands in the market being Allied Maxcut and Hertel.
Spade Drill Body Shank Lengths
The shank length of a spade drill body also plays a key role in determining its stability and compatibility with different machinery as well.
For instance, its shank length, denoted as D1 in technical specifications, directly impacts the tool's overall performance.
A longer shank length can then give you better stability in deep hole drilling, while shorter shank lengths are ideal for those more precise, shallow cuts where less flexibility is needed.
Some common shank lengths here can include, for instance:
16 mm
2 MT (Morse Taper)
20 mm
25 mm
32 mm
4 MT
40 mm
5 MT
Morse Taper (MT) Variants
The (MT) Morse Taper holders and variants and holders are also widely used in heavy-duty applications and can accommodate significant cutting forces as a result.
Cylindrical Shank Variants
The cylindrical shank variants, on the other hand, are more appropriate for lighter drilling operations and machines with collet systems.
Material and Build Quality
As you know, the quality of the material used to construct a spade drill body is a determining factor in its durability and efficiency.
For instance most spade drill bodies are made from High-speed Steel (HSS) end mills, Carbide, or coated materials such as Titanium Nitride (TiN) which help to increase their lifespan as a result.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
A popular choice for general-purpose applications due to its toughness and resistance to wear, HSS spade drill bodies are often used when working with softer materials like aluminium or plastic for example.
Carbide
Known for its hardness and wear resistance, carbide spade drill bodies are then used in high-speed and high-temperature applications - particularly when drilling harder materials like stainless steel or titanium is required.
Coated Spade Drill Bodies
Some bodies are also coated with materials like TiN or TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride) to improve their cutting life by helping to reduce friction, wear, and heat buildup from occurring.
These coatings are especially beneficial in high-speed or dry machining applications, for example.
Choosing the Right Material
Choosing the right material, as you can see, then depends on your specific machining needs, including material hardness, desired tool life, and operating speed to name a few.
Shank Length (mm)
The Shank length is another key dimension that machinists must consider when selecting the correct spade drill body.
This is due to the length affecting not only the stability of the drill bit but also its compatibility with various machines as well, with some common shank lengths used being:
42 mm
53 mm
58 mm
Shorter & Longer Shanks
Longer shanks, for instance, will give you increased stability, especially for deep-hole drilling, while shorter shank lengths provide you with greater precision in close-tolerance applications.
As a result, as you can see, choosing the correct shank length ensures that your drill will remain secure in the spindle and can perform the task efficiently, for instance.
Shank Diameter Range (mm)
The diameter of the spade drill body then tells you the size of the hole it can produce.
For instance, spade drills typically come in a wide variety of diameters to cater to different industrial needs.
Here, as you can see, the diameter range is a key area for you to consider, as it helps to ensure the proper fit for the application at hand.
Larger diameters, for example, are used for high-volume material removal, while smaller diameters are ideal for precision work, we should note.
Flute Length (mm)
The flute length is then the distance along the body of the drill where chips are removed during the drilling process.
Your flute length then impacts the efficiency of your chip evacuation, which is crucial for maintaining tool life and achieving high-quality finishes in deep drilling operations as a result.
Shorter Flute Lengths
Shorter flute lengths, for instance, are used for shallow holes where minimal chip evacuation is required.
Longer Flute Lengths
On the other hand, longer flute lengths help you drill deeper holes, allowing for a more effective removal of chips and reduced risk of tool clogging as a result.
How to Choose Your Flute Length?
As you can see, the choice of flute length depends on the depth of the hole and the type of material being drilled.
In applications where heat dissipation is key, longer flute lengths will tend to help in reducing the heat generated, preventing damage to both the tool and the workpiece as a result.
Overall Length (mm)
The overall length of a spade drill body then determines the maximum depth it can reach.
This is an important factor when working with materials that require deep penetration or when using machinery with specific length requirements, for instance.
Overall lengths here will vary widely depending on the type of drill you have, but some standard lengths tend to include, for instance:
200 mm
250 mm
300 mm
Selecting Your Length
Selecting the correct overall length then ensures that the drill will fit within your machine’s capabilities, while also achieving the desired depth of cut as well.
This will also influence the tool's stability, as longer tools may require additional support - or adjustments - to minimise deflection from occurring.
Shank Types
The type of shank on a spade drill body is also key for ensuring compatibility with the machine and maintaining a secure placement during drilling operations.
There are several common shank types available, each suited to different machinery such as, for instance:
5/6 Taper Shank
A standardised tapered shank used in many manual and CNC machines, offering a strong, secure fit.
7/8 Taper Shank
Another variation of the tapered shank gives you similar benefits for machines requiring a tapered connection.
Cylindrical Metric
A cylindrical shank is then measured in metric dimensions and is commonly used in collet-based machines.
Flanged Flat Shank
These then provide you with additional surface area for secure gripping, and reducing the risk of slippage from occuring.
Flanged Straight
Similar to flanged flat, this type then adds more grip and stability for straight shank drills especially.
Straight Shank Flanged
These straight shank flanged are used in specific machine types that require a secure fit with minimal slippage.
Taper Shank
They are also are ideal for drilling inserts, as these are then tapered for easy insertion and removal from machine spindles - and are commonly used in heavy-duty applications.
As you can see, each shank type offers you some unique benefits based on the machine setup and the level of stability you require as a whole.
Body Length (mm)
Next up is the importance of the body length to a spade drill body, as this defines how deep the cutting portion of the tool can engage with the material.
It is also important for achieving the desired depth while maintaining its rigidity during the drilling process on the whole.
Longer and Shorter Body Lengths
Shorter body lengths are then used for shallow drilling, offering you more rigidity and precision, while longer body lengths are better suited for deep-hole drilling.
Consequently, selecting the appropriate body length really does mean you will get high performance and avoid excessive deflection - which could compromise the accuracy of the hole you need by a large margin.
Flute Types
Spade drill bodies come with different flute designs as well, which are ideally suited for specific applications.
For instance, flutes are essential for chip removal and cooling during the drilling process, with many common types available, such as for instance:
Extended Length Spiral Flute
These are ideal for deep holes, providing you with very efficient chip removal and cooling as well.
Extended Length Straight Flute
Suited for deep holes where minimal deflection and consistent performance are required.
Helical Flute (Machining Centre)
Designed to handle high-speed applications, especially in CNC machining centres.
Intermediate Length Spiral Flute
Here, you have a very adaptable option that balances both depth and chip evacuation really well.
Short Length Straight Flute
These are best suited for shallow drilling tasks with high precision.
Standard Length Spiral Flute
These are then your go-to choice for a wide variety of drilling operations, balancing both performance and strength really well.
Stub Length Straight Flute
Used for close-quarter drilling operations that require precise, shallow cuts on the whole.
Specialised Spade Drill Bodies
Specialised spade drill holders are then designed to meet the unique requirements of specific machines and industries.
For example, these toolholders can then consist of:
Lathe Machines
Some spade insert drills are optimised for use in lathes for instance, allowing for very precise hole drilling in rotating parts as a result.
Machining Workshops
Helical flute designs are also often used in machine workshops, where high-speed and efficient chip removal are critical.
Consequently, these customisation options are available, allowing our manufacturers to adapt spade drill bodies to their specific machining processes for their product as a result.
What Materials Can Spade Drill Bodies Be Used On?
Spade Drill bodies and their accompanying Spade Drill Inserts can be used on a large number of materials, such as, for instance:
Mild Steel
Stainless Steel
Tool Steel
Cast Iron
Aluminum
Copper
Brass
Bronze
Titanium
Nickel Alloys
Inconel
Monel
Magnesium
Zinc
Lead
Plastics (e.g., PVC, ABS)
Acrylic
Fiberglass
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Composite Materials
How to Choose the Right Spade Drill Overall?
As you can see, indexable spade drill bodies are really key tools in the machining world, as they give you a very efficient solution for drilling various materials.
With a wide range of sizes, types, and flute designs available, these tools can be adapted to suit the varying demands of different industries and applications very easily as well.
As a result, selecting the right spade drill body, whether based on length, shank type, or material, really will help you get the best from your machining operations, to the best precision and efficiency as well.
Contact Customer Support
If you are still not sure which Spade Drill Body is right for you or you need help, then please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.
Standard Delivery Information
We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you next working day delivery, making your shipping experience even easier.
Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you best to ensure the timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.
Standard next-day delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping for certain items as well.
Who Is MSC Direct?
Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom and can also offer you trade accounts.
We also serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.
Consequently, our outstanding customer service and expert technical team, fast delivery times, and technical support make us a trusted partner for all your business needs as a result.