What to Look for When Buying a Used DeHoff
DeHoff deep hole drilling machines are built with cast-iron bases, hardened steel box ways, and hand-scraped mating surfaces designed for decades of precision drilling service. Here is what to evaluate on used units.
Inspect the drill head base and box ways. Check way surfaces for scoring, wear patterns, or excessive gib clearance across the full slide travel. The drill head must track straight and true over the entire stroke length.
Test the spindle and drive system. Measure spindle runout and verify smooth speed changes across the full RPM range. On BTA machines, check for bearing noise under load. Verify that the feed system delivers consistent rates without stick-slip or hesitation.
Evaluate the high-pressure coolant system. Deep hole drilling depends entirely on effective coolant delivery for chip evacuation, lubrication, and tool cooling. Verify rated pump pressure and flow. Inspect hoses, fittings, seals, and the coolant induction unit for leaks. Test filtration and check for tank contamination. A degraded coolant system causes poor hole quality and rapid tool wear.
Verify the CNC control and automation. DeHoff machines use Fanuc (18M, 0i), Beckhoff (with G-Code programming), or Windows-based proprietary controls depending on model and generation. Confirm clean power-up, test all functions, and verify feed rate, spindle speed, and coolant pressure parameters. On multi-axis machines, test each axis for positioning accuracy.
DeHoff Axis Series (Gundrilling)
The Axis series is DeHoff's core single-spindle gundrilling platform. Models include the Axis 1018, 1036, 1060, and 1084, with drill capacity up to 1 inch and slide travels from 18 to 84 inches. Standard features include 5 HP spindle (200 to 8,000 RPM), high-pressure coolant, CNC controls, and full enclosure. The Axis series is the most commonly traded DeHoff on the used market.
DeHoff Multi-Spindle & Multi-Axis Gundrills
DeHoff builds multi-spindle gundrilling machines for high-volume production and three-axis CNC configurations for complex hole patterns including off-center, angled, and intersecting holes in a single setup. These machines serve automotive, firearms, and mold making applications.
DeHoff BTA/STS Series (Large-Diameter Drilling)
The BTA/STS series handles drilling capacities from 2 to 6 inches (50.8 to 152.4 mm) in diameter for large, deep holes that exceed gundrilling range. BTA drilling cuts five to six times faster than gundrilling on larger diameters using indexable-insert drill heads with guide pads. Coolant systems deliver up to 2,500 psi and 160 GPM. Custom fixturing accommodates large aerospace, petrochemical, and power generation workpieces.
DeHoff Combination & Custom Machines
DeHoff builds combination machines integrating both gundrilling and BTA processes in rotating-tool or fixed-tool configurations. All machines are built to order with custom fixturing, automation, and turnkey packages including tooling and training.
Legacy Eldorado & TechniDrill Models
The Eldorado brand (originally Milford, Connecticut, now built in Marshall, MO) includes the KM series 3-axis CNC gundrills with Beckhoff controls and the Mega series precision gundrills. Drill capacities range from 0.078 to 0.75 inch on KM models. TechniDrill machines (originally Kent, Ohio, acquired 2020) feature linear guideway construction for versatile gundrilling and BTA applications. Used machines may carry DeHoff, Eldorado, or TechniDrill branding; all are now manufactured and supported by Kays Engineering.
How to Sell Your Used DeHoff
DeHoff deep hole drilling machines hold strong resale value thanks to American-made build quality, specialized capability, and consistent demand from aerospace, automotive, firearms, and medical manufacturers. Axis series gundrills and BTA/STS large-diameter machines are in particularly high demand.
Resell CNC buys used DeHoff, Eldorado, and TechniDrill machines, every model and generation, nationwide.
- Contact us — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer — we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used DeHoff Machines
Are used DeHoff machines reliable?
Yes. DeHoff machines are built with cast-iron bases, hardened steel box ways, and hand-scraped mating surfaces at the Kays Engineering facility in Marshall, Missouri. This construction provides superior vibration damping and long-term drilling accuracy. Well-maintained DeHoff machines routinely deliver decades of precision deep hole drilling service.
What is the difference between gundrilling and BTA drilling?
Gundrilling uses a single-flute, self-piloting tool best suited for holes up to about 1 inch in diameter at depth-to-diameter ratios of 20:1 and beyond. BTA (Boring and Trepanning Association) drilling uses a multi-insert drill head with guide pads and cuts five to six times faster than gundrilling on larger diameters (2 to 6 inches). DeHoff builds machines for both processes.
What should I inspect before buying a used DeHoff?
Prioritize box way condition and drill head alignment, spindle runout and feed system consistency, high-pressure coolant system integrity (pump pressure, flow, filtration, seals), and CNC control functionality. A degraded coolant system is the most common issue on used deep hole drilling machines.
What is the relationship between DeHoff, Eldorado, and TechniDrill?
All three brands are manufactured by Kays Engineering in Marshall, Missouri. DeHoff (since 1956) and Eldorado (acquired 2002) are the primary brands. TechniDrill (acquired 2020) rounds out the lineup. Used machines may carry any of these names depending on when they were built.
What industries use DeHoff machines?
DeHoff deep hole drilling machines serve aerospace (drive shafts, landing gear, turbine components), automotive (crankshafts, fuel injectors, transmission shafts), firearms (barrel drilling), medical devices, petroleum and petrochemical, agriculture, and plastic mold making (cooling channels).
What DeHoff models hold their value best?
BTA/STS large-diameter machines maintain the strongest resale values due to specialized capability and limited supply. Axis series CNC gundrills with Fanuc or Beckhoff controls also hold well. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used DeHoff machines?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options to help your business acquire the equipment it needs. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used DeHoff?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every DeHoff, Eldorado, and TechniDrill model nationwide. Free appraisal within 24 hours.