Apparatus and method for controlling peck drilling

A method of controlling peck drilling using a drill with a rotatable bit, said method comprising the steps of:

• feeding the bit into a workpiece at a predetermined feed rate in accordance with a predetermined set of control parameters;
• rotating the bit at a predetermined rotational rate in accordance with said predetermined set of control parameters as the bit is fed into the workpiece;
• monitoring thrust applied to the bit and generating a first electrical signal indicative thereof;
• monitoring torque applied to the bit and generating a second electrical signal indicative thereof;
• determining whether the bit is in a peck cycle, wherein feeding movement of the bit is temporarily interrupted, and ignoring said first and second electrical signals when the bit is in a peck cycle;
• and
• using either or both of said first and second electrical signals when the bit is not in a peck cycle to detect a predetermined condition.

Apparatus for controlling peck drilling using a drill with a rotatable bit, said apparatus comprising:

• first motive means for feeding the bit into a workpiece;
• second motive means for rotating the bit;
• control means for controlling said first motive means to feed the bit at a predetermined feed rate and said second motive means to rotate the bit at a predetermined rotational rate in accordance with a predetermined set of control parameters;
• monitoring means for monitoring selected drill parameters;
• said control means being operable to ignore said selected drill parameters when the bit is in a peck cycle, wherein feeding movement of the bit is temporarily interrupted, said control means being responsive to said selected drill parameters when the bit is not in a peck cycle for detecting a predetermined condition.