Breaking in my new toys... from Yeehaw! to Uh oh!

[drssg]

I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up - a cowboy

I checked your profile, and you're looking like a cowboy! I'm sure it's just the timing of the photo, but your horse looks drunk.

Congratulations on your new purchase. It looks beautiful, and your enthusiasm made me smile.

 

[john_bud]

So, point well taken. I'll stop by and get a good 1/2" bit. I have a set of Dewalt bits that has a 1/2" one. Do you have to have a special bit for this type of metal. I've worked with wood, but literally never have done anything with metal. The Dewalt bit has a funky tip to it that's supposed to cut into wood really fast. Doesn't seem ideal for metals. Do I need to use oil when drilling it?

OK... what happens when you heat hardened steel in a case like this?

Actually, you probably want to get a set of metal cutting bits, probably with the TI coating. 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 then the 17/32. Use thread cutting oil on the bit. It will smoke, so keep adding. Using a wood bit will mean a trip to store to buy more bits....

If you heat hardened steel, you will affect it's temper. Probably making it softer and more prone to wear. Then again, if it cools fast, you could make it brittle to the point is cracks easily. Best to just remove it or put a wet rag on that part when you heat it with the torch.



Just remember that working with metal is just like working with wood, only the "putty" comes out of a welder and cures faster!


jb

 

[Spiveyman]

I would go with the 17/32 or 33/64's rather than a 9/16, unless I didn't have them, and did have a 9/16. If your going to buy a drill, and they have the 33/64ths, that is what I would use with a second close as the 17/32".

So if I go metric I need what, a 17.5573 mm? Reckon Harbor Freight carries them?

I personally think the step drill is better suited for sheetmetal, rather than 1/4" plate, but do what you think is best. Whatever you do, go slow and use plenty of cutting oil to save the bit from heat.

Actually, you probably want to get a set of metal cutting bits, probably with the TI coating. 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 then the 17/32. Use thread cutting oil on the bit. It will smoke, so keep adding.

As far as I'm concerned the planets are lined up, metal cutting bits, lots of oil. Roger that.

If you heat hardened steel, you will affect it's temper. Probably making it softer and more prone to wear. Then again, if it cools fast, you could make it brittle to the point is cracks easily. Best to just remove it or put a wet rag on that part when you heat it with the torch.

At the risk of venturing into that wuss category again... for $9 I think I'll just get a new one.

I checked your profile, and you're looking like a cowboy! I'm sure it's just the timing of the photo, but your horse looks drunk.

How do you think we get the horses to take on a 2,000 lb bull with horns! You have to get them sauced up man! Didn't you ever watch any old John Wayne movies?

OK, changed the picture to one where the horse is dried out. That better?

 

[sandman2234]

Around here, HF only carries up to half inch, but their set of of fractional/numbers/letters is worth the $39.95 my wife paid on sale with a discount coupon. (Titanium Nitrate coated) I break them regularly, but went back and got a second set as a backup. I imagine your going to have to find a real tool supply store for a 17/32 drill bit. A 1/2" and a little wallowing will probably work, if all else fails.
Anybody that will take on a Longhorn steer isn't really a wuss, by the way.
David from jax

 

[rustyanchor]

Tim,
The DeWalt bits with the funny tips are probably 'Bullet Points', they used to be sold under the Black&Decker brand. If they are 'Bullet Points', they are good bits and do very well in metal, wood, and plastic. On metal, use cutting oil and these bits will keep drilling for a long time. One of the selling points of these bits is/was they do not require a pilot hole.
The newer sets are gold colored, not sure if it is TN coated or not, but they do drill good holes. The older silver colored ones work just fine too.

Mark

 

[Spiveyman]

...did you ever see this old thread about installing the toothbar?

Rob, I read through that. How important is it to weld the plates on? The literature basically just said that the force on the toothbar is always pushing, so you don't really have to fix it that firmly, that the two bolts on the side are good enough. I sure hope so...

Anybody that will take on a Longhorn steer isn't really a wuss, by the way.

HA! Thanks for the vote of confidence. I've faced down some pretty big bulls and cows. Luckily they are not out to kill you, but when you are trying to get them to do something they do not want to do it can get interesting. Kind of puts things in perspective when some punk tries to mug you at the mall after you've gone face to face with this guy:


That was Black Magic. We did a full head mount on him since he was our first kill.

The DeWalt bits with the funny tips are probably 'Bullet Points', they used to be sold under the Black&Decker brand. If they are 'Bullet Points', they are good bits and do very well in metal, wood, and plastic. On metal, use cutting oil and these bits will keep drilling for a long time. One of the selling points of these bits is/was they do not require a pilot hole.

This is what I have:


They seem to be great bits.

 

[john_bud]

HA! Thanks for the vote of confidence. I've faced down some pretty big bulls and cows. Luckily they are not out to kill you, but when you are trying to get them to do something they do not want to do it can get interesting. Kind of puts things in perspective when some punk tries to mug you at the mall after you've gone face to face with this guy:

.

The only way I want to get face to face with that big dude is across a bun with him playing the lead part of "burger-meister".

jb

 

[jbrumberg]

I would not mind a few prime cuts of Mr. Black Magic on my grill ! Jay

 

[sandman2234]

Well, you might have doubts about your tools, but your camera sure beats mine. I have problems with close up shots, and really should try to learn that new camera my daughter gave me last year. I prefer my Sony Mavica, but it is getting dated. I prefer to spend my money on endmills and other such trivia. I haven't seen those particular drill bits, but it looks like somebody is making money on an old design. Similar to a counterbore. Let us know how they work out.
David from jax

 

[3RRL]

Tim,
Bolting is good enough I'm sure.
Welding the plates is just added strength to keep the bucket hole from elongating over time (years). LOL ... Murphy's Law though ... you know what I mean?
Oh BTW, when you get that drill to break through the bucket wall, be sure to hold on tight an let off the pushing pressure a little so it can cut through the metal without twisting your arms off.