A review of selected drilling methods used to de-concrete cast iron, smoothbore, marine archaeological artillery

Abstract The removal of concretion from the bores of cast iron, marine archaeological artillery represents an unusual mechanical problem for conservators. While the exterior may be cleaned like any other concreted iron object, the interior has extremely limited access. Specialised tools are therefore required to remove this concretion. Over the last several decades, many laboratories which regularly clean artillery have developed methods using coring drills for this process, sometimes supplemented with other tools. The exact drilling apparatus and operating methods vary widely, since multiple conservation laboratories have developed unique systems for this process and each operates under different constraints and towards different specific goals. This article serves to publish some basic design elements for different artillery boring assemblies. In describing different methods, comparisons are made with respect to the goals, constraints and priorities which produced a given design. The benefits and drawbacks of those designs are then evaluated.