Tests were conducted using coated and uncoated 6 mm diameter twist dri
lls drilling into plain carbon steel under specified conditions. Thrus
t-force data were collected from all drills and analysed using fast Fo
urier transformations. Resonant frequencies of the drills and the dyna
mometer were isolated and used to estimate and compare the wear rates
of coated and uncoated drills, to analyse failure vibrations, and to d
istinguish between jamming and failure where possible.