| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Empire drill | Mining | A. A light, hand-operated churn drill for testing placers from 10 to 125 ft (3.0 to 38.1 m) deep, though it is more commonly used for shallower holes. It consists of a string of 4-in (10.2-cm) casing, to the lower end of which is screwed a toothed cutting shoe. To the upper part, projecting above the ground, is fastened a round steel platform on which workers stand while operating the drilling tools. The casing can be turned by workers or a horse on the end of a long sweep fastened to the platform. The core of material inside the casing is loosened and brought to the surface by a drill pump on the end of a string of rods. Cf: Banka drill. (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
