Precision Lathes Since 1911 Drilling a .0006" hole 1950 Moving Forward On June 14,1950 The U.S. Naval Lab. used a Derbyshire Lathe to drill the smallest hole drilled in metal at that point in history .0006"("6 tenths") This was accomplished in a Derbyshire Ball Bearing lathe one of the first accurate ball Bearing lathes. These Ball Bearing spindles have gone through many changes and improvements over the years as accuracy requirements and spindle speed requirements have increased. It is important to mention when talking about small hole drilling and spindle speeds to mention that most small hole drilling should take place at spindle speeds BELOW 6000 RPM (that is holes.3 m/m .0118" down to .05 m/m .00196" Other Machines Over The Years Since 1911 our main focus has been small precision lathes. Some of them were for very specific uses such as this late 1920's Cam Automatic. The "Staff" Lathes were used to produce pinion shafts for watches ,Timers and dial indicators. We also have produced pinion cutters and small Milling Machines 1920's Cam Automatic Derbyshire Staff Lathe Derbyshire Micro Mills The Derbyshire Mico Mills Were produced from 1938 through 1989 in both horizontal and vertical Models The horizontal machines were used to produce parts for watches and small timing devises to name a few.The vertical Micro Mills were primarily used as small jig borers.