modela Posted August 3, 2013 Report Share Posted August 3, 2013 In working on an 86' trestle bridge we ran across a lot of boring through timbers and multiple stacked beams, some 5 deep 4x material. I developed jigs basically using standard 3/4" and 1" steel pipe nipples. Using pvc pipe and fittings, I fitted both ends with smaller diameters for boring 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" holes. I took cheap pvc fittings from Home Depot and bored them and turned the outside diameter to fit. Then I drove one in each end. To attach to my jigs I either used pipe flanges or welded them in a custom jig. Attached are pictures of two of those jigs in use. The one shown above was made with a 3x3 angle, welding the pipes in place. Notice the white ends showing. With brackets installed on both sides, this was accurate enough to require no redrilling on the other side. This jig had four holes drilling through a total of 5 4x12 beams, roughly 17 1/2" thick. Using pipe flanges, I installed the PVC ends, mounted them in the flanges, and bolted them to the plywood jig. With over 300 holes to drill the time with the jig was well spent in reduced time and added accuracy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Very cool!! I would have never expected PVC to hold up to the wear. I hope you post some pictures when the bridge is finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modela Posted August 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 Will do. The bridge is nearing completion. The good thing about the jig is the fact that they are easily replaced but they did hold up well. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim0625 Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 Jim, What kind of wood are you using and where are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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