Little tricks I use that may not be obvious to all

[reible]

I started on a project today that required me to drill some mounting holes in a piece of PVC pipe then put holes at 90 degrees to those mounting holes. They don't have to be perfect but at least close. So how would you do it? Take a few moments and think about it.........................................

OK times up.

I used a piece of angle aluminum to draw a straight line on the pipe. I then marked where the two holes need to be.

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That method give a nice straight line and a starting point for some measurements. In this case the outside circumference is 7-1/2". I used the 2" marker to start with so the end of the tape didn't produce an error. You of course have to subtract that 2"... da.

This allows you to figure out where the 90 degree point needs to be. How? just simple math.

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Since 90 degrees is 1/4 the way round.........

Now I measured from the existing line down the 1-7/8 and made a mark. Then back to the angle AL to draw the line.

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Then I used the tape measure to layout the placement of holes and tweeked the mounting holes so they did not interfere, I had the luxury to be able to do that.

Then off to the drill press. Since the pipe is 3-3/8 in diameter I set the fence to bit dimension so it would be half way or centered on the pipe. Once the first hole is drilled I added a piece of scrap wood under the pipe and used a screw to hold it down. This fixes the rotation and keeps the pipe from getting twisted between holes. With the second hole drilled and another screw added I have a block of wood that aligns to the fence and keeps the pipe from twisting.

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Now when the pipe is rotated to drill the 90 degree holes the scrap that was under it is against the fence and you have a nice steady work piece for drilling the rest of the holes.

Now it just a matter of drilling, here is as far as I got this evening before I had to quit for the night. Six out of 20 holes done. Yes they are through holes so you need a piece of stock under the pipe to drill into.

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I expect a few of you already know what this is but for the rest of you sorry no disclosure until it's done.

This PVC really makes a twisted mess when drilling so it is a slow go having to stop on and off to get rid of the waste. Still have a lot of holes to go but perhaps tomorrow I'll finish it.

Ed

[ChrisNeilan]

Making a huge bass flute?

[dusty]

Making a huge bass flute?

Maybe? But my guess is a specialized bird house. As a second guess I would say a fast food outlet for the wild life.

[kd6vpe]

I just saw one the other day don't remember where it was on line but it is a clamp rack.

[robinson46176]

When did you get a flock of chickens?


.

[reible]

I just saw one the other day don't remember where it was on line but it is a clamp rack.

Yep it is a clamp rack for some F-style clamps. I have them in a drawer but need the drawer for something else so I'm giving this a try.

This does look like a chicken feeder but the ones I've seen were galvanized metal, and yes that was years ago.

BTW I don't think I'm going to get back to this today. A bunch of running around and hot sticky weather has me worn out. More likely I take a nap today then do any more work........... worn out and it just quarter to three.

Ed

[reible]

Good think I had another day to finish this. To give you an idea of how much waste comes out of one set of holes:

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The 20 holes made a good size pile!

I managed to drill the rest of the holes and then the chicken came over, I think he might have though it was a feeder as was suggested.....

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So you get an idea of how this is going to work take a look here:

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I'll get a shot of it installed for you later.

I'm sure this will be a start to my clamp issues but of course 20 holes will not be nearly enough.

Ed

[reible]

Well this went pretty well. I have vary limited wall space left anywhere but had just enough for this rack. I still have a bunch of clamps without a new home but for the moment I have to leave it and get on to some other projects.

The open areas/holes have clamps allocated but not in place yet. So it is full up already.

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Ed

[rpd]

I am wondering if a hole saw would make the holes with less swarf.

[JPG]

I am wondering if a hole saw would make the holes with less swarf.

Among other things.