Abstract: A wear-resistant surface structure having a high resistance to impact and thermal shock, suitable for a wide variety of tools and implements, is prepared by bonding carbide particles together with a substantially pure copper matrix in the absence of oxygen. The carbide-copper surface structure can be bonded to the working surface of a ferrous tool simultaneously with the aforementioned bonding process, or at a later time. Although attachment of the surface structure to a ferrous tool normally requires heating of the tool to a softening temperature, such softening may be corrected by subsequently quenching the combined ferrous tool and carbide-copper surface structure from an austenitizing temperature without cracking the copper matrix. Refractory sheet materials are used to contain the carbide and matrix material during liquefaction of the matrix material during the formation of the surface structure.

Abstract: A method for making a drill bit and product resulting therefrom in which carbide elements are coated with carbide and nitride materials such as those of titanium as by chemical vapor deposition after which the elements are cast in molten steel.

Abstract: An excavating tooth wherein the coupling between the point and the adapter is achieved through an external lock to convert lateral point unseating forces from shear to compression.

Abstract: An excavating tooth wherein the coupling between the point and the adapter is achieved through generally helical thread means with an external lock to prevent removal by reverse rotation relative to the direction of the helical thread means.

Abstract: A method for removal of undesirable surface material from a casting employing a water abrasive jet operating at low pressure, i.e., 8,000 psi (55.degree.kg/cm.sup.2) -- 12,000 psi (850kg/cm.sup.2).