Tool and repair method for removing a thermal barrier coating

A method for removing a thermal barrier coating (TBC) from an interior surface of a combustion component of a gas turbine system, comprising:

• positioning a tool within an interior of the combustion component, wherein the tool comprises:
• a rotary device;
• a grinding attachment attached to the rotary device;
• and
• a tool holder coupled to the rotary device and configured to:
• set an axial position of the grinding attachment coupled to the rotary device over the TBC on the interior surface of the combustion component;
• and
• set a radial position of the grinding attachment coupled to the rotary device, the radial position defining a cutting depth of the grinding attachment into the TBC on the interior surface of the combustion component;
• and
• a wheel assembly coupled to the tool holder for guiding the tool holder about an interior perimeter of the combustion component,
• wherein the tool holder includes:
• a base;
• and
• a collet assembly coupled to the base for securing the rotary device, wherein the collet assembly includes:
• an upper section;
• a lower section;
• a first handwheel coupled to a first threaded shaft for selectively displacing the upper section of the collet assembly toward or away from the lower section of the collet assembly to set the axial position of the grinding attachment;
• and
• a second handwheel coupled to a second threaded shaft for selectively displacing the collet assembly toward or away from the base to set the radial position of the grinding attachment to set the cutting depth of the grinding attachment into the TBC on the interior surface of the combustion component, wherein the second threaded shaft extends through the collet assembly to the base;
• using the first handwheel, setting an initial axial position of the grinding attachment of the rotary device within the interior of the combustion component;
• using the second handwheel, setting a radial position of the grinding attachment of the rotary device within the interior of the combustion component to form an initial cut into the TBC;
• and
• using the first handwheel and the second handwheel, adjusting the axial position and the radial position of the grinding attachment of the rotary device within the interior of the combustion component to form additional cuts into the TBC.