Drilling 18mm hole in steel?

[Forestboy1978]

I've got to get through a tight alley to dispose of about 9 tons of concrete. Big trailer will fit with the van but I'll scratch the hell out of the van and never back back out again. It's about 80 meters.

Bought a tow bar to fit to my mini dumper. Gonna drill the front plate at the appropriate height.

So I'm thinking of piloting with a 3mm cobalt bit and then going straight in with the 18mm. The machine is not with me but I'd guess the metal is 10-15mm thick.

Can anyone foresee this being a nightmare or should it go through eventually?

Ta

[dig dug dan]

You will need to go up in stages, 3mm,6,10,12, then 18, and use cutting paste. You end up either snapping drill bits, or melting them
can you not weld the tow ball on there?

[Forestboy1978]

Don't know how to weld but there is a local place that can do it. I need to learn myself though. It's on my to do list.

Also need to figure out if it will affect the self loader first but I don't think so. Needs to go on the front.

[Forestboy1978]

but welding it would be cheaper for sure as I'll need from what you're saying 4 jabber bits and that's over £100.00

[dig dug dan]

but welding it would be cheaper for sure as I'll need from what you're saying 4 jabber bits and that's over £100.00

There must be someone who is mobile near you that welds. Will be cheaper than buying those drills

[Forestboy1978]

but welding it would be cheaper for sure as I'll need from what you're saying 4 jabber bits and that's over £100.00

There must be someone who is mobile near you that welds. Will be cheaper than buying those drills

My labourer informed me there is a welding shop round the corner so I may use them.

However, it wouldn't hurt to own those drills. I do actually have some cobalts up to 8 mm so I think I'd need 2 more or maybe 3 so yeah £100+ . However, wouldn't hurt to own them.

I'm seriously considering buying a tig welder and gauntlets and mask and having a youtube weekend melting shit though but I'm soo skint atm

[dig dug dan]

Better off with a mig, and buy the fluxed cored wire. If you go for the gas option, there is a monthly rent on the bottles before you have even payid for the gas. I have learnt with a mig. I am not competant, but a handle I welded onto the digger bucket pin 5 years ago is still there, and the hole in my compressor tank has not re appeared so all good!

[rab1]

Use a mag drill, you can drill any steel with one with ease

[Forestboy1978]

I'm screwed. Can't find the keys to the damn thing. Spent 4 hours searching....

[dig dug dan]

Use a mag drill, you can drill any steel with one with ease

They use funny drill bits dont they? Will they drill hardox?

[rab1]

yes, its a core type bit hence the speed they drill through steel. Never heard of hardox?

[rab1]

Just googled hardox and yes with the correct bit with paste, we used them to drill stainless 302 30mm thick and it was no problem but the bits are expensive.

[dig dug dan]

My crusher jaws are made of hardox, and I remember the manufacturer couldnt drill holes in it easily when I asked!

[rab1]

If you have to drill heavy steel there the muts but like any tool have their limitations mate, you could use oxy and blast a hole but not the neatest and will change the molecular make up of the metal lol