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The honing process is used to remove trace layers of metal, often in order to finish the inner surface of a bored hole. The procedure utilizes small abrasive honing stones and shoes, which are sent in a specified motion across the material being honed. The honing stones and shoes are composed of bonded synthetic abrasive materials, whose grains can be as small as six hundred grit. On a honing tool, the stones and shoes are held together by a bonding agent, to which other materials are sometimes added; these materials alter the tool’s performance characteristics. Diamond honing tools are also used in some cases.

Honing tools used for bored holes consist of a rotating component that is inserted into the hole. The motion of the tool creates a specific cutting pattern inside the hole, which removes a thin layer of metal and finishes the hole. Such honing machines are widely used on tubing, barrels and marine components. The process is effective on an extensive range of metals, including high temperature alloys, titanium, aluminum, copper and composites. Honing specialists can perform the process on extremely large parts (sometimes in excess of 10,000 pounds), as well as on components with unusual dimensions (i.e., twenty-five-foot long tubes).

The vast majority of honing procedures require cutting fluid during operation, typically used to prevent overheating and to facilitate finishing. The process itself can be performed by single or multiple spindle machines, operating either vertically or horizontally, to extremely precise dimensions (within a few ten-thousandths of an inch). Generally, given a large volume of parts to be honed, the process is cost effective, and can significantly cut costs of alternatives like jig grinding. Honing services typically entail faster setup time and a full cycle can be under one minute for most components. Additionally, tooling costs are often lower than other alternatives.