How to Optimize and Maximize the Life of a Tooling Block

By: Ian Cheshuk

It’s important to know how to properly care for the equipment in your underground mine to extend the service life, as well as make sure there are no surprise work disruptions. Broken and worn tooling can lead to a multitude of issues in addition to unplanned downtime. With all of the considerations that must be made to make sure equipment is operating as well as possible, it can be hard to keep track of how to take care of everything. When it comes to bit blocks, bit block retainers, and bits, the care is pretty straightforward. Learning a few tips on how to care for a tooling block properly will help you understand the best way to optimize and maximize the life of the block.

What is a tooling block?

A tooling block, also known as a bit block or a bit holder, is the primary structure securing the bit in place for the mining machine Included in this mechanism is the bit block retainer, which in a radial system stays with the bit block and allows for a bit to be replaced without the retainer being removed. All of these parts play a role in maintaining the life of a tooling block, and knowing how to properly maintain them will extend the life of the assembly.

Tip 1: Properly install the retainer

This might be common sense, but taking the time to install the retainer properly will extend the life of your tooling block. Because the retainer can allow premature wear in the bit block if it is too loose or not properly contacting the bit and the bit block, it’s important to take the time to install it properly to avoid premature damage and wear.

Tip 2: Regularly change the retainer

Again, if the retainer is allowed to stay in service beyond its useful life, it can cause damage to the bit block due to allowing movement of the bit during cutting. This means changing the retainer periodically will help avoid any damage by reducing the amount of movement between the bit and the bit block. You can figure out when it’s time to change a bit block by checking it to see if there is more movement than usual, or by understanding the typical service life for the current mining methods being employed for a bit retainer to begin wearing down.

Tip 3: Maintain optimal bit cutting

For a variety of reasons, maintaining optimal bit cutting performance of the bits is important—not only to maintain cutting efficiency but also to prevent a bit from getting too dull. As the bit becomes too dull, it can transmit additional forces to the bit block, which can prematurely wear the block due to increased loading.

Tip 4: Use the proper retainer

When selecting and using a bit retainer, it is critical it is a retainer designed for the bit block that will be in use. An improper retainer will almost always lead to bit block damage that is unnecessary and avoidable.

How can Bit Service help?

At Bit Service, we manufacture many different types of retainers designed to varied applications in radial bit blocks. Whether the mining operation prefers a single use retainer which ensures a fresh retention with each bit change, to long lasting semi  permanent applications where cutting conditions permit, we have a retainer to suit the need. In the long lasting application options include changes in retention force, thermal resistance and service life.

With these tips in mind, you can reduce damage to a bit block and increase its service life, which can save time, maintenance costs and increase productive uptime.