Conventional drilling method consists of several types of drilling techniques such as hollow-stem auger drilling, cable-tool drilling and rotary drilling. Hollow-stem auger techniques are commonly used for subsurface environmental projects. Rotary drilling techniques include direct mud rotary, air rotary, air rotary with a casing driver, and dual-wall reverse circulation.

Conventional hard dies are designed to produce a single stamping in a single hit or through the course of multiple hits or stations. It is fed manually or automated from coil for high-volume production. A die set consists of a top and bottom steel plates, which is held in vertical alignment by two or more guide pins and bushings.

In conventional milling, the end mill engages the work piece at the bottom of the cut. The end mill teeth slide along until pressure builds up to break through the surface of the work. This sliding action under pressure tends to abrade the edge of the end mill. The cutting action lifts the work piece, fixture and table from its bearings.

Conventional plows include a blade and a frame for coupling the blade to the front of the vehicle. It operates at almost a 90-degree angle to the surface of the road. The snowplow scoop attached to the front of the plow blade at 45-degree angle to the pavement and rides slightly above the surface of the pavement. It makes it easier for the snow to flow smoothly from the pavement and across the plow. Conventional plows also invert the soil, covering the top 4-6 inches that has organic material.