The table tool spudding machine is capable of handling many drilling applications. The technique used must be adjusted to suit The purpose of drilling. Many techniques have been developed. Here we look at The more common techniques.

Normal table tool operations (consolidated formations): The spudding action is operated to:

* allow The tools to drop freely,
* catch The tools before the bottom so that when The bit strikes The bottom The table is stretthed,
* quickly accelerate The tools upwards,
* allow The weight to come off The table so that The swivel turns to rotate The bit.

Drilling unconsolidated formations (churn drilling): The mast must be fitted with an effective recoil system. The recoil provides extra strength for the rapid upward acceleration of The bit after it drops into The material at The bottom of the hole.
Casing plug drilling: The technique requires The driving of heavy casing to cut The hole and retain The "core" in the casing. The rig must have a good casing-pulling capacity.

Shell (drive tube drilling): The normal drill stem assembly is fitted with a driving tube tool rather than a chopping

Mud drilling: Usually the casing is driven CO prevent The hole casing. Sometimes, particularly when drilling large diameter holes, it is preferable to stabilise The formation by filling The hole with mud. The drilling proceeds using churn drilling techniques.