I've experienced what Harold is describing, while drilling 2" diameter boiler flue holes in new tube sheets. (The new sheets were NOT yet installed in the boiler!)Harold_V wrote:Happy to provide my comments, Glenn. Hope they prove to be useful for you.
If readers ever have the opportunity to watch a radial drill in action, especially with a large drill bit, I think they'll be favorably impressed. Imagine drilling large diameter holes without a pilot, and without effort. Fast, too. Feed rate borders on being unreasonable, yet the machine handles it in stride. They're an amazing machine!
Harold
With 180 holes to drill, the massive capability of a radial arm drilling machine is paramount.
A properly sharpened drill is required, and power feed also. And yes, we used lots of lubricant!
Those big chips curling out of the cut are impressive.
~RN