Tractor/Skid Steer Lifitng Boom

[threepiece]

Here I am adding the "lightening holes". I have an aversion to redundancy. When I see material that I think doesn't need to be there I will sometimes go through considerable effort to remove it, even if I am making only one. Looking at the holes later will make me happy and drilling is fun.

I usually don't cut the slug completely through when using a hole saw. I leave a small connection to the work and knock the slug out with a blow from any suitable object in close proximity. This saves me the trouble of prying the slug from the saw cavity.

[JohnBoy]

speed holes are always good! bonus style points if you dimple them

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

speed holes are always good! bonus style points if you dimple them

Yes, I can make a tool that does all four holes at once! I don't think it will take more than 50 tons to form them all, that is the capacity of my press!

[Dave Lee]

Originally Posted by threepiece

I usually don't cut the slug completely through when using a hole saw. I leave a small connection to the work and knock the slug out with a blow from any suitable object in close proximity. This saves me the trouble of prying the slug from the saw cavity.

That's a neat idea. The last real job I had, required the production people to make a bunch of holes in structural foam plastic. I got them hole saw mandrels from Sears that had an acme threaded shank. Once the hole was completed, you would cock the hole saw in the hole and run the drill in reverse. The threaded shank would push the slug out of the hole saw. Not sure, if they're still available. That was 15 years ago.

Dave

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by Dave Lee

That's a neat idea. The last real job I had, required the production people to make a bunch of holes in structural foam plastic. I got them hole saw mandrels from Sears that had an acme threaded shank. Once the hole was completed, you would cock the hole saw in the hole and run the drill in reverse. The threaded shank would push the slug out of the hole saw. Not sure, if they're still available. That was 15 years ago.

Dave

That is a neater idea.

I also have been known to cycle the hole saw in and out of the cut a few times just before cutting completely through. This widens the cut a small amount, sometimes enough that the slug falls off on its own weight. I don't like doing this often as it adds wear to the quill of my machines.

[threepiece]

I was just kidding in post #13, but one is never sure what I might do next.

More cutting was done while the channel was fixed to the machine table. The rectangular hole was made using a 1/4" roughing cutter.

Also notice the 1/2" diameter hole in the "crotch" of the bend area. This gives the material somewhere to go as the flange is bent.

[threepiece]

Starting to come together.

[Farmersamm]

Now that I see where it's going, you got your load transfer good to go. Nice.

The racing holes oughta lighten it up enough to give ya a few more mph on the Bobcat Or make really good cup holders

[threepiece]

Originally Posted by Farmersamm

The racing holes oughta lighten it up enough to give ya a few more mph on the Bobcat Or make really good cup holders

The holes aren't so I can go faster, I made them to increase my load capacity!

[threepiece]

The receiver is for the most part done. There are a few areas that need attention after I do a fit check, that will happen in a few weeks as the tractor is 300 miles away.

The receiver wil accept a 5"x3" tube. The small sides are open to promote air circulation/drying. I suspect it may sit outside unused for extended periods of time after I'm gone and I don't want whatever is inserted in it to seize in there.