How to Use a Keyway Broach

Successful Keyway Broaching

• 1

  Fix your work piece or nest it with a base plate and ram face in a perfect square shape.

• 2

  Turn the broach to where the teeth face the back of the press.

• 3

  Check to see if the bushing projects above the work piece. The bushing is a cylindrical removable piece that contains a rectangular slot. This piece fits into the top of the broaching machine to ensure proper alignment by supporting the broach. Place the bushing upside down underneath the work piece if you are using a collared bushing.

• 4

  Center the broach under the ram before you start cutting. If it moves out of place during the cut, minimize the pressure on the ram and place the broach in its proper place.

Broaching With Keyway Sets or Single Keyway Broaches

• 5

  Choose the size of the bushing to fit into the bore. The sizes of each bushing will be displayed clearly.

• 6

  Choose the broach size to create the desired width of the keyway. The sizes are marked on the broach.

• 7

  Insert the selected broach into the bushing slot. Make sure it is properly aligned.

• 8

  Insert the assembled bit into the press and lubricate it. Lubricating the broach minimizes the risk of friction and helps successfully transport the chip and to remove it.

• 9

  Move the broach through the clean the broach.

• 10

  Insert the shims to accurately obtain the keyway depth. A shim is a metal L-shaped bar. These bars come in different lengths and are used to measure the depth of the keyway.

Broaching Without Shims or Bushings Using Production Keyway Broaches

• 11

  Insert the broach pilot into the bore.

• 12

  Push the broach through it.

• 13

  Clean the broach completely.