Operational notes

Operational notes

All cable tool drilling should be done with a tight line. The machine should be reaching for the bottom at all times. In so doing, the bit and tools will rotate properly.

The speed you run depends upon the formation. A hard rock formation calls for faster speeds; a clay or soft formation is drilled more slowly. Keep that line taut when lowering into the hole, and do not allow the bit to run into the bottom so that a slack line can occur. The cable can be damaged and the pins broken if you do.

In hard formations, make sure you keep the drill bit cut to size, as it means the hole tapers. This will cause a full diameter bit to stick. In such formations do not allow the bit to get more than 1/4" below gauge. If an undersized bit is used, the fresh sharpened bit will drag or stick.

In soft formations, such as shale or clay, use bits which are quite flat and not pointed.