how to make a big hole - needing help from the handy

motley que · Jun 22, 2007

ok so i am building another drum. instead of all the vents, i want to do something like N8dawd did. I just want 1 big vent. my step bit goes to 1.5 inches, I want to make a 2.5 or 3 inch hole.

My thought is to copy a 3 inch circle onto the drum and just use the bit to make the hole then extend it to make it larger.

thoughts? ideas?

Beerwolf · Jun 22, 2007

Ive made a decent looking 2 1/2" hole using the edge of my grinder. It wasnt absolutely perfect, but once I welded the tubing in the hole it looked pretty sanitary. Layout your cutting line and make a few passes with the edge of your grinder to make a "pilot". Once you see the steel starting to turn blue, you will know you are almost thru the metal.

jpw23 · Jun 22, 2007

Buy a hole saw:biggrin:

Meat Burner · Jun 22, 2007

Maybe it's just me but explain that again...a different way.

nthole · Jun 22, 2007

Use an angle grinder or reciprocating saw on a drawn circle. The saw would be easier. Even a jigsaw with a metal blade would probably work.

Grinding out with the bit is going to suck some ass.

motley que · Jun 22, 2007

i have no power tools, but the drill. thats why i am looking for help

Beerwolf · Jun 22, 2007

If all youve got is a Drill, go with the hole saw. You can nab one at Harbor Freight for about 5 bucks. I will probably do that job and maybe one more, but it will get her done. Aside from that... the other option is a 20 gauge, if thats too small go with a 16 gauge.:mrgreen:

BBQchef33 · Jun 22, 2007

i vote for the hole saw.. or a roto-tool.

or if thoese are not options, drill lots holes around the circumference, and whack it outt with a ball peen hammer.

But im a big advocate of the right tool for the job. it will save you alot of time, frustration, crappy workmanship and busted knuckles.

Brauma · Jun 22, 2007

Blue tip wrench

BBQchef33 · Jun 22, 2007

nice brauma.. im sure we all got one of them in our back pocket. :wink::redface:

Beerwolf · Jun 22, 2007

One other option is to find an Electrician and make him your best friend in the world and ask if he has any Greenlee punches that go that big. That is what I used on my keg conversions and they are slicker than poop thru a goose

nthole · Jun 22, 2007

Many holes drilled around the perimeter is probably best then. Then a simple hole saw would probably open it up.

Jigsaws are pretty useful and cheap. If you're in west county pm me and I might be able to get you a tool.

Brauma · Jun 22, 2007

BBQchef33 said:
nice brauma.. im sure we all got one of them in our back pocket. :wink::redface:

Is that your Blue-Tip wrench or are you just happy to see me?:wink:

Thawley · Jun 22, 2007

Beerwolf said:
One other option is to find an Electrician and make him your best friend in the world and ask if he has any Greenlee punches that go that big. That is what I used on my keg conversions and they are slicker than poop thru a goose

That would make the cleanest ho' IMHO. I've had mixed results with ho'saws in steel. Especially big ones. Pretty easy to dull the cheap ones down if you're not careful. Oil the cutting teeth frequently while cutting.

Still, might be easier to find a friendly trademans with a Greenlee punch who'll trade makin' a ho' for a fatty...

MAsQue · Jun 22, 2007

You could probably get a nibbling tool that will cut 18 guage steel for about $8.

Norcoredneck · Jun 23, 2007

Beerwolf said:
One other option is to find an Electrician and make him your best friend in the world and ask if he has any Greenlee punches that go that big. That is what I used on my keg conversions and they are slicker than poop thru a goose

Would make the cleanest hole with Greenlee for sure. That is what I used on my sink

Hole saws work good, with powerful drill at slow to medium speed. Use the side handle if you have one. Helps control drill better.
Good luck.

N8man · Jun 23, 2007

Big ol' Holes

I would go with the hole saw myself.....Barrels are fairly thin metal and it
worked well for me....

motley que · Jun 23, 2007

talked to neighbor today, he has hole saw, will lend it to me when i am ready

how to make a big hole - needing help from the handy

motley que

is one Smokin' Farker

Beerwolf

Take a breath!

jpw23

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Meat Burner

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nthole

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motley que

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Beerwolf

Take a breath!

BBQchef33

Grand Poobah and Site Admin

Brauma

somebody shut me the fark up.

BBQchef33

Grand Poobah and Site Admin

Beerwolf

Take a breath!

nthole

Babbling Farker

Brauma

somebody shut me the fark up.

Thawley

Take a breath!

MAsQue

is Blowin Smoke!

Norcoredneck

somebody shut me the fark up.

N8man

Babbling Farker

motley que

is one Smokin' Farker

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