Drilling suggestions

[skeeballhead]

Any suggestions on drilling 9 or 10 holes in a 72" skid steer bucket. Holes will need to be 5/8" diameter. I imagine the cutting edges on those are hardened steel???(Maybe) Anyway, any suggestions or am I making a big deal out of nothing, which I usually do. Just didn't want to spend all day trying to drill these holes.

 

[bobcatdan]

A good sharp drill bit and cutting oil, it will drill like butter.

 

[mrb]

magnetic drill with annular hole cutter

 

[Regnar]

I know a Cole Drill will go through it like butter, but its not like you can go up to the store an pick one up anymore.

Here is a link to what a Cole Drill can do and looks like. http://www.freewebs.com/cochraneareahomeshopmetalworkers/unusualorantique.htm


You could take a cheap benchtop drill press and flip the table upside down. Mount the table to the bucket and drill away.

 

[crewchief888]

Any suggestions on drilling 9 or 10 holes in a 72" skid steer bucket. Holes will need to be 5/8" diameter. I imagine the cutting edges on those are hardened steel???(Maybe) Anyway, any suggestions or am I making a big deal out of nothing, which I usually do. Just didn't want to spend all day trying to drill these holes.

keep your drill speed down, lots of oil and a sharp bit.

might want to drill a smaller pilot hole before going in with the 5/8" bit.

a lot of bucket cutting edges are work hardening steels, the more you "rub" on it with the drill, the harder it's going to be to drill

 

[t100]

big hole as 5/8", drill a pilot hole first, start with 1/4", then 5/16, so on. if the exact location of the holes isn't very critical, use acetylene torch with #0 tip blow a small pilot hole can save you alot of trouble.

mag drill plus a rotabroach bit can set you back $1500 easily.

 

[gluckmysock]

I agree with the mag drill, you might be able to rent one. We used ours at work to drill through the forks on our fork lift. i think it will handle your bucket. check your local rentals, im sure they can help

 

[Grinder Bill]

What are you installing? My first thought was plasma...

 

[skeeballhead]

I have a Rezloh(serrated) Edge from a TC40 tractor I had. The bucket that I got with my L180 doesn't have any holes so the holes will need to be precise. I will check with the local rental stores in Topeka to see if they have any. Might see if somebody close in the construction industry might be able to snag one for a day and I could get a bit for it. I forgot about those mag type drills like someone suggested. Just don't see them much. Thanks everyone for offering your insight, it is much appreciated.

 

[t100]

Hougen or nothing:

http://www.hougen.com/video/HMD505_StackCut_video.html