What is the purpose of a boring tool in machining?

The purpose of a boring tool in machining is to enlarge a preexisting hole. Boring is a process commonly used to increase the diameter of an already drilled hole to a more precise size and to improve the finish of the hole. Boring tools typically have a cutting edge that removes material from the sides of the hole, allowing for both the enlargement and refinement of the inner surface. This makes them essential for applications that require tight tolerances and smooth finishes in hole-making operations, such as in the assembly of mechanical components.

Other options deal with different functions: creating sharp edges typically refers to cutting tools like end mills or chisels, cutting at an angle suggests the use of tools like chamfer mills designed for specific edge treatments, and hollowing out shapes pertains more to processes like milling or casting rather than the specific function of a boring tool. Thus, the choice that identifies the function of a boring tool as enlarging a preexisting hole is the most accurate.