Machining a manhole cover

[SRX]

Can somone tell me how hard it would be, or rather, a ball park cost at machining a manhole cover would be? Is this even a feasible request?
Just seeing what the reality of this is. It would be a decorative item in the center of a new garage foundation. Not deep.
Thanks.

 

[manwithtools]

Need more information on what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[dr_clyde]

Just call up East Jordan Ironworks and buy a manhole cover. They're probably less money from the manufacturer than to have one custom made.

 

[SeattleSaleen5.0]

I’m assuming your looking for a special emblem or script on it? Which I think is a great idea. If your looking for a normal manhole lid contact a foundry in your area. They typically will sell a cover and mounting frame set. If you are looking for something that could be easier cnc’d Try to find a sewer lid as they are aluminum and would be much easier to work. Good luck!

 

[strength_and_power]

I’m assuming your looking for a special emblem or script on it? Which I think is a great idea. If your looking for a normal manhole lid contact a foundry in your area. They typically will sell a cover and mounting frame set. If you are looking for something that could be easier cnc’d Try to find a sewer lid as they are aluminum and would be much easier to work. Good luck!

This would be my suggestion as well. I’m guessing a true manhole cover and frame won’t be cheap but you could easily create one suitable for your needs for a lot less money. Unless you plan on semi trucks driving through your garage of course


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[SRX]

Something like this

https://pinshape.com/items/13249-3d-printed-vault-door-pint-coaster

 

[SRX]

Cheepest I can find, bit of a drive

https://delaware.craigslist.org/grd/d/20-steel-manhole-cover-and-12/6406793088.html

 

[SeattleSaleen5.0]

That’s a good deal. In our area a standard 18x24 storm drain frame and grate averages right around 150 dollars depending on the price of metal. Solid manholes are more.

 

[joe49]

Barring not getting a OEM replacement. Torch cut from steel is going to be the cheapest.

 

[SRX]

It's primarily flat, but as mentioned, may be cheaper to purchase from a source?

 

[Hephaestus29]

One thing I remember from school is that today: they don't want people calling them
"Manhole" covers since we have to be so p.c.. I can't remember what they want people to call them now though. maybe it was access covers or access points ?? can't remember.

 

[Hephaestus29]

Are you trying to make a Hogans Hero's access point minus the stump ??

 

[SRX]

No, just a small Vault Tec nerdy memorabilia

 

[XJSuperman]

Do you know any excavating companies or friends? Old pipes or access points that are dug out or replaced yield leftover manhole covers to excavating guys every day. And you can't just go scrap them for various legal reasons, so they just pile up and sit. I know we have a couple sitting around the barn from excavating jobs.

 

[Mr_fixit]

They are usually cast, if that matters. Once in awhile I see a cracked one.

 

[SeattleSaleen5.0]

Not sure where your located but if your near a small municipality or utility district it may be worth contacting them. We have scored several that way locally for recessed patio fire pits.

 

[matt_i]

Can certainly be done and it would be unique. I'm going to suggest plasma cut stainless 304 as a less expensive alternative.

It would not be cheap to put this in a machining center, teardown all of the setup, go thru X number of 3/4 carbide endmills at ~$100 per, chewing up the casting which has (? inclusions all harder than glass).

I don't think the burnout is going to be a good idea long-term. I think corrosion of A36 is going to catch up and be hard to stop, the concrete itself is going to corrode it from the underside...

 

[NASTYZEN]

Decorative? I would cnc machine some wood on a cnc mill and paint it to look like it was cast iron.

 

[velocipede]

^^^Great idea!

 

[zak77]

I'd second contacting local Public Works Dept or Water Dept to see if they have any in a scrap pile they can give you. Then try a construction company that does municipality work. Sometimes they remove them as part of the contract and usually scrap them but if you come along and offer a couple bucks, well maybe they'll load it into your truck. Or just drive around till you find one in a street somewhere, i'm sure they wont miss it

 

[thickhead]

Just search for foundries in your area.
Give them a call and ask for a manhole frame and cover (H-20 or M306 is what you want if I remember - not sure). Ask if they have any out of spec as it might be a hell of a deal.
If they don't have them, they will know who does.

 

[1jjpop]

Go to the city sewer people [Public Dept. works Dept.] & ask them if they have M. H.'s with the ears broke off. The ears are on the bottom of M.H.'s [ you put M. H. cover on & twist to lock in place .]

 

[CGT80]

Something like this

https://pinshape.com/items/13249-3d-printed-vault-door-pint-coaster

CNC plasma cut with multiple layers, might look cool and would be custom.

It depends on what look you want. If it is just a run of the mill cover, then find used or new.

That one above, could be made with cnc plasma. One layer for the recessed portion and a second layer for the raised portions. A third layer could be used for the outer ring and angled spokes, and the spokes would have to be ground or milled to get the shape, or just leave it flat.
Of course this won't be the cheap option with the time for cad, cam, cutting and welding.

 

[Ilikeike]

Now I'm trying to think what I can build with all the sewer and storm covers I got lying around here at the wastewater treatment facility.

 

[AMCguy]

I just bought this grate and frame for my new paved driveway. It was about $150. A cover would be a bit more but you could really do something interesting with all the area you have to work with.

 

[SeattleSaleen5.0]

Now I'm trying to think what I can build with all the sewer and storm covers I got lying around here at the wastewater treatment facility.

 

[SRX]

Thanks for the insights.
I never considered layers. Screw/bolt a machined piece to the manhole cover.
I will see what i can find.

 

[gordo9742000]

They have them up and down the street. Just pop one out. Make sure you cover it with a blue tarp or something so nobody falls in.

 

[brownbagg]

it be hell everytime your creeper rolls across it, and it would fill up with dirt