How do I drill holes straight across a length of pipe?

[dragoneggs]

I do that too sometimes :laughing: I break the 3/32 first, then 5/64, then the 7/64 then the 1/16, then after all the small bits are all used up I have to resort to methods without pilot holes.

That sounds like me... in any case, definitely use a drill press to keep your bit 'plumb'. I am liking all the responses here and like James, not sure I am fully comprehending them. :confused3: but I love to hear about jig ideas.

 

[jwmorris]

This is a precision way to do it and with the proper drill bushing and bit you don't need a center drill. The drill press rides down the I beam and the pipe is clamped to the channel iron as well as wheels that ride down the OD of the pipe to force center even if it is bowed between clamps.

Holes for stops also ensure precise spacing as well.

 

[mikehaugen]

^ yeah, you should just buy one of those! ^

 

[dragoneggs]

^ yeah, you should just buy one of those! ^

I looked on Craigslist... no luck. :laughing:

 

[jwmorris]

Did someone actually say "buy" in a build it yourself forum about a one of a kind machine?

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Centering head on a combination square. Put it on the end of the pipe at the scribe to get it set vertical. Amazon.com: combination square center head: Tools & Home Improvement

 

[sixdogs]

Did someone actually say "buy" in a build it yourself forum about a one of a kind machine?

Very creative build.

 

[jimgerken]

Lots of great input to this problem! TBN is the ultimate team. This thread reminds me of building model rockets when I was a kid. To get the fins on straight, the instructions showed to place the fueslage tube in the little corner of the front of an open drawer, and put a pencil line along the tube length (similar to the first suggestion you got from BCP). then another trick was, cut a strip of paper to length equal to the tube circumference. Now, depending on the number of fins you are applying, typically three but sometimes four, fold the strip of paper to that many equal spaces, or use a scale and divide the paper with marks. Now wrap the paper around the tube and transfer the marks. Back to the drawer to make the marks into straight lines, and glue on the fins!

 

[sixdogs]

I know. On the very first try I drilled a straight line of holes across the pipe by using the angle iron method. This is a problem I thought about for several weeks and never could figure out how to do it. Then, duh, I thought to post here and had answers ASAP.

 

[dragoneggs]

Lots of great input to this problem! TBN is the ultimate team. This thread reminds me of building model rockets when I was a kid. To get the fins on straight, the instructions showed to place the fueslage tube in the little corner of the front of an open drawer, and put a pencil line along the tube length (similar to the first suggestion you got from BCP). then another trick was, cut a strip of paper to length equal to the tube circumference. Now, depending on the number of fins you are applying, typically three but sometimes four, fold the strip of paper to that many equal spaces, or use a scale and divide the paper with marks. Now wrap the paper around the tube and transfer the marks. Back to the drawer to make the marks into straight lines, and glue on the fins!

Ah, I remember doing something like that on my old Estes rocket builds!