A drilling tool for use in machining a conductive work piece is provided. The tool includes a forward electrode tip that includes an outer radial portion and an inner radial portion that extends from a forward face of the outer radial portion. The tool also includes a dielectric sheath that extends circumferentially about the outer radial portion, and at least one side electrode coupled to the dielectric sheath. When electric current is supplied to the forward electrode tip and the at least one side electrode, material adjacent to the forward electrode tip and the at least one side electrode is removed from the conductive work piece. The forward electrode tip and the at least one side electrode are selectively operable to form a bore hole having a variable geometry that extends through the conductive work piece when the material is removed therefrom.