Aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure

A method of aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure, the method comprising:

• inserting a distal end of the machine tool into a nosepiece for guiding the tool, the nosepiece having a housing and a collet attached to and extending distally from the housing;
• inserting a distal end of the collet through a plate bushing positioned over an element projecting from the structure at the target location;
• centering the collet distal end over the element projecting from the structure;
• and
• actuating a piston in the housing to clamp the collet distal end over the projecting element and to lock a distal end of the housing onto the plate bushing.

A method of aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure, the method comprising:

• positioning a plate bushing over the target location;
• configuring the tool with a nosepiece such that the tool is extendible at least partially through a distal end of the nosepiece;
• inserting a collet of the distal end of the nosepiece through the plate bushing to center the collet over an element projecting from the structure at the target location;
• clamping the collet onto the projecting element and a distal end of the nosepiece onto the plate bushing;
• and
• extending the tool through the nosepiece distal end to the target location.

A method of using an aligning apparatus to align a machine tool with a target location on a structure, the tool configurable with a machining module to control a proximal end of the tool, the aligning apparatus including a machine plate having a plate bushing, the plate bushing having a hole therethrough and one or more protrusions, the aligning apparatus further including a nosepiece having a housing, a collet attached to and extending from the housing in a distal direction relative to the housing, and an annular piston in a piston cylinder in the housing, the piston attached to an elastic clamp positioned at least partially around the collet, the piston actuatable to push the clamp in the distal direction, the method comprising:

• affixing the machining module to the nosepiece housing to allow extension of a distal end of the tool through a hole in a distal end of the nosepiece housing and through the collet;
• positioning the hole of the plate bushing of the machine plate over a target projection projecting from the structure at the target location;
• inserting a distal end of the collet into the plate bushing hole so that the collet distal end extends through the plate bushing toward the target projection;
• moving the collet longitudinally and/or radially in the plate bushing to center the collet on the target projection;
• mating the distal hole of the nosepiece housing with the protrusions of the plate bushing;
• and
• actuating the piston to push the clamp against the plate bushing, to lock the housing distal end onto the plate bushing protrusions and to close the collet around the target projection.