an electro discharge machining system includes a guide having first and second portions that are non - colinear with respect to one another . a consumable electrode is housed within the guide and configured to drill cooling holes in a component . a controller is programmed to position the guide and electrode to a desired position with respect to the component . an electro discharge machining guide includes first and second portions that are non - colinear with respect to one another and that include a passage configured to receive an electrode .