Drilling 2 3/8" holes in 8" wood posts...[[ ??? ]]]

[JerryK]

a forstner bit will work, if they make them that large. i know wood furniture people use them all the timeView attachment 428138

Yup, I looked into that. But since I can't use a drill press I would have to make a piece of wood with a hole in it to screw onto the post to get the Forstner started into the post. They can be wicked until you get them going good. Plus, I can run a hole saw with my battery powered drill, and the Forstner would need added ummppp and the associated wear and tear on the person horsing the drill. Most of the Forstners are fairly short, so I would have trouble getting thru the 8" post, don't know if they would put up with me predrilling a guide hole, either....

 

[BigRol]

Why pipe? wouldn't a cable be quicker, cheaper easier etc. just hang ribbons if worried about visibility

 

[grsthegreat]

Yup, I looked into that. But since I can't use a drill press I would have to make a piece of wood with a hole in it to screw onto the post to get the Forstner started into the post. They can be wicked until you get them going good. Plus, I can run a hole saw with my battery powered drill, and the Forstner would need added ummppp and the associated wear and tear on the person horsing the drill. Most of the Forstners are fairly short, so I would have trouble getting thru the 8" post, don't know if they would put up with me predrilling a guide hole, either....

i use a 1-1/2" forstner alot to mske holes when running 4/0 ser cable in houses. Drills thru double 4x4's like butter. Spits all shavings out. I use a 6" extension bit with my milwaukee hole hog set to low end. The self feed tip pulls it right thru.

 

[JerryK]

Why pipe? wouldn't a cable be quicker, cheaper easier etc. just hang ribbons if worried about visibility

Yup, I could pound in some T posts and string some heavy electric fence wire I have... and tie some marking tape on it.. But, I have the pipe that has been laying around for over ten years... and.... I really would like to put something in like a three rail split rail in... but soon as I put some real money into it a tree will take it out. Out here in the country we are getting over run by ATV's to add to the normal horse/snowmobile crowd. You know, those folks who would not want you to drive your tractor across THEIR manicured property but think nothing of poking their noses into any little trail they can get access to. Just enjoying the woods around THEIR little lot... That's why they moved here, to enjoy the woods.... [ trespassing ]

 

[Egon]

MJust curious, how will you line up the holes so the pipe will fit thru more than one post?

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Flatten the side of the post. Get an extension. Lots of room. Then drill.

 

[JerryK]

I " plan " on setting the end posts... probably concrete them. Then run a line at the height I want to run the pipe. Set the interior posts, probably just in pea gravel using the line. Putting up three sections, two level runs about 24' and one downhill about 35' or so... Going to snap a line at the rail height, then try to get the pilot holes line up best I can. Maybe shoot a laser from the first end hole I start with. Then drill the 2 1/2" holes using the pilot. 2" pipe is 2 3/8" O.D. which will give me a little slop up and down, and I can turn the posts in the pea gravel a little if I am too far off in that direction. I have some normal 2 9/16" holes saws, and could go bigger on the holes if I find it is not working. Little flex in the PVC pipe, and tiny bit in the old well pipe. Even the couplings on the 1 1/4" well pipe will fit inside the 2" PVC. Worst case, I can hog out the holes a little more. Then cut off the top of the posts to the right height and probably cap with something. I usually use pieces of old aluminum lic plates or some scrap aluminum to keep the top of the post dry, but have not come up with what I am going to use on these yet. Want to make it fairly presentable since it is out by the road. That's why I am running the old well pipe in the PVC, don't like to paint... Another option is to dig the holes, predrill the posts, assemble the fence, and then level the posts/fill in the post holes last. Kind of like some folks put up split rail fence..

 

[Egon]

Good planning Jerry.

Using a hole saw you should be able to back the saw out and then use a pry bar to break the drilled section out?

Aluminum flashing may work for capping?

 

[JerryK]

I've run conduit thru wood before, usually can pop the center out [ if some of it does not come out with the hole saw ] with a big screwdriver. " Good planning " still has lots of pitfalls in it.... especially when things fall apart and the skeeters/no-see-um's/black flies are circling your face..... [ and you have to pee ]

 

[LD1]

I have made spade bits before for situations like this. Doesnt take long. Piece of flat steel, and a grinder with slicer disc to rough out the shape and leave a nice point, then put a bit of an edge on it. Then weld to a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" round bar.

Dont have to be hard steel, and dont have to be perfect for drilling wood. It wont cut as well as an actual spade bit or as well as them fancy bits, but dont cost anything either if you have a welder, some steel, and about 1/2 hour to spare.

 

[JerryK]

I have made spade bits before for situations like this. Doesnt take long. Piece of flat steel, and a grinder with slicer disc to rough out the shape and leave a nice point, then put a bit of an edge on it. Then weld to a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" round bar.

Dont have to be hard steel, and dont have to be perfect for drilling wood. It wont cut as well as an actual spade bit or as well as them fancy bits, but dont cost anything either if you have a welder, some steel, and about 1/2 hour to spare.

But... but... but... I already spent $36 on Ebay.... [ snif ]