Drilling Holes in Bucket

[catvet]

New to tractors and not much of a hands on guy, but learning. I like the idea of strenthening my bucket in some way. I was thinking angle iron with slots for chains. I don't weld so I was thinking of bolting it on. What do I need to know about drilling. Do I need a particular type bit? The only thing I've ever drilled is wood. Should I use a particular type bolt and angle?
Thanks for any help

 

[ronjhall]

Welding would be the best way to attach your angle iron. But if you are going to drill the bucket use a step drill like the one I have attached a picture of.

 

[catvet]

I would weld but I don't know of anyone in the area who does house calls. I don't have a way to transport the tractor and the one welding shop I know of is several mile away. I guess it could be a fun outing for the tractor.

Thanks for the picture of the drill bit. Never seen one of those.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would weld but I don't know of anyone in the area who does house calls. I don't have a way to transport the tractor and the one welding shop I know of is several mile away. )</font>

If you set the bucket on your truck (assuming you have one), and pop the quick connects you should be able to take the bucket to the welding shop without taking the whole tractor. Just a thought.

Cliff

 

[catvet]

Cliff,

Would be a great idea if I had quick connects. Afraid I don't.

 

[ronjhall]

You should be able to find them at most hardware stores. I found the picture I posted at Amazon Tool. Click Here

 

[MadReferee]

The metal on the typical bucket is very soft. Go to your local hardware store and purchase a bi-metal hole saw of the correct diameter and an arbor for your electric hand drill. The bi-metal hole saws are typically the white ones. This will drill thru the bucket metal like a hot knife thru butter and cost you only about $5.

 

[AntrimMan]

I have one of those. I found it lying in the road near work. Somebody's loss. I believe it is called a Unibit. There are many imitations available.
It is very handy for drilling big holes in sheet metal. On thicker metal it chamfers the hole entry also, very handy. It is limited in the thickness it can be used in. The material to be drilled must be thinner that the distance between the steps or you get a multi diameter hole. The hole saw is better for the thicker material but not as versatile. Each to his own I suppose. If I find a hole saw lying in the road I will use it too.

All the best,
Martin

 

[HomeBrew2]

You've gotten some good advice so far. Maybe I can add some more of the basics as you said you haven't drilled metal before.
The basic equipment you need is a set of drills (drill bits) and a drill motor (drill). Get a set of "high speed steel" (HSS) twist drills from 1/16" to 1/2" to start. You may already have a set for drilling wood BUT, if they aren't HSS they will be ruined PDQ. Next, a drill motor. VSR (variable speed reversing) is a good idea. A 1/2" chuck would be handy and of the Jacobs type that uses a key (instead of keyless).
If you go the step drill route fine. If not, drill a small hole first, like 1/8" and work your way up.
Within reason, the harder you lean on the drill motor the better it will cut ... along the lines of a drill press.
Note that the larger diameter the drill you use the slower you should be drilling. Also drill slowly on material harder than mild steel.
A little cutting oil may be in order from time to time.
Keep an eye on your drills. It ain't that hard to tear the corners off of them if you get cockeyed while drilling. And some steel is harder than others (FEL cutting edge for example) If you're not throwing a lot of chips or the the drill squeals or is just generally torquing you off, it's probably dull.
Beware of the steel bug. It is like the tractor bug. It WILL eat all of your money.
Cheers!

 

[trlong]

catvet,

About what area of VT are you in? I know that in the Central VT area there are a number of metal fab/welding shops. Several have portable units they will bring to a job. Probably not as cheap as drilling but, I think Ron H. is right...welding is preferable. Also, it might not be that much more expensive if you have to buy a 1/2" variable speed drill and HSS, or other expensive bit(s). If you want to go the welding route, I find it hard to believe no one around has a portable on their truck. Any farms within short tractor drive from you? Many farmers have an arc welder as they are constantly having to do their own repairs and rely on those welds to keep equipment working. Not sure if those are the preferable welding equipment (know nothing of welding). Just a thought.

My dealer welded hooks on my bucket as a matter of course. I've put some awful strain on them and they've shown no sign of fatigue (I have /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif, but they haven't).

Tom