Method and apparatus to secure a component in position for fabrication

A drilling tool for use in fabricating a plurality of different turbine components, said drilling tool comprising:

• a base comprising an inner surface defining a channel that is sized to receive a flange of a turbine blade therein;
• a clamp coupled to said base;
• a clamp bar coupled to said clamp, said clamp bar is moveable with respect to said base;
• a first bushing plate comprising at least one aperture extending therethrough, said first bushing plate is removably coupled to said base and is selected based on a first engine component being drilled;
• a second bushing plate comprising at least one aperture extending therethrough, said second bushing plate is removably coupled to said base and is selected based on a second engine component being drilled, the second turbine component is different from the first engine component;
• and
• a bushing removably coupled to at least one of said first bushing plate at least one aperture and said second bushing plate at least one aperture.

A drilling assembly for forming an opening in a plurality of blades, said drilling assembly comprising:

• a base comprising an inner surface defining a channel that is sized to receive a flange of a turbine blade therein;
• a clamp coupled to said base;
• a clamp bar coupled to said clamp, said clamp bar moveable with respect to said base;
• a first bushing plate comprising an aperture extending therethrough, said first bushing plate is removably coupled to said base and is selected based on a first turbine blade being drilled;
• a second bushing plate comprising an aperture extending therethrough, said second bushing plate is removably coupled to said base and is selected based on a second turbine blade being drilled, the second turbine blade is different from the first turbine blade;
• a bushing removably coupled to at least one of said first bushing plate at least one aperture and said second bushing plate at least one aperture;
• a drill bit coupled to a drill;
• a collar coupled to the drill bit to facilitate maintaining such that a drill depth;
• and
• a drill stand configured to facilitate maintaining a position of the base with respect to the drill bit.