Abstract: An automatic drilling apparatus is provided for performing a drilling operation (such as routing) on a block. The drilling apparatus includes a track on which the block can travel. The track includes a receiving area adjacent to a first end of the track, and an operations area adjacent to a second send of the track. A generally vertical chute has a first end for receiving a block to be dispensed, and a second end disposed adjacent to the receiving area of the track for dispensing blocks onto the receiving area of the track. A block advancing device advances the block from the receiving area of the track to the operations area of the track. A selectively actuable side clamp is disposed adjacent to the operations area of the track. The side clamp mover moves the side clamp between a block-disengaged and a block-engaging position. A selectively actuable end plate is disposed adjacent to the second area of the track.