What should be done if a drill bit becomes excessively hot during operation?

When a drill bit becomes excessively hot during operation, pausing and allowing it to cool is the correct course of action. Excessive heat can adversely affect the performance and lifespan of the drill bit as well as the quality of the material being drilled. Ignoring the heat and continuing to drill can lead to damage, such as dulling the bit or even breaking it, which can create safety hazards and increase downtime due to equipment failure.

Allowing the drill bit to cool can prevent these issues and ensure that it is in optimal working condition for future use. Additionally, it is important to understand that excessive heat can alter the properties of the material being drilled and may lead to inaccuracies in drilling, thus impacting the overall integrity of the aerospace assembly. Taking a moment to let it cool is a simple yet effective step in maintaining equipment performance and safety.

Using water to quench the drill bit might seem like a quick fix, but this can lead to thermal shock, which could crack or weaken the bit. Increasing the speed can generate even more heat, worsening the situation, and continuing to drill without addressing the heat issue is simply putting the tools and workpiece at greater risk.