Good to know we still all know how to scratch our heads and go find the appropriate alcohol for the remaining itch. It is also good to know what the best practices are, whether or not we have the tools and wherewithal to use them (I had to look up how to spell wherewithal could be that itch thing )
-- dg
NACRA 5.2 #400
This End Up
Original owner since 1975 --
Well this has been a fun lesson. Maybe if the operator of said hammer doesn't have the skill set or common sense to not Beat the Helll out of soft aluminum tubing, than maybe he does not belong in the DIY arena.
All the same, the bourbon was excellent.
The point is, you need to use some method of locating the drill and keeping it on the mark. If you just try to drill directly onto the tube, the bit will wander all over the place. I have used a center punch on tubing countless times and it has worked fine for my needs on Hobie repairs. We are not talking aircraft parts here needing four deimal place precision, get within 10-20 thousanths and you're fine.
I made my crossbar with 3/4" & 1" schedule 40 aluminum pipe.
The 3/4" sleeves into the 1" just right. I used pointed Allen key set screws to secure the 3/4" inside the 1". http://www.sailrite.com/Drill-Steady-Tubing-Tool
I used a home made version of the item linked above for the drill guide.
You can find ground clamps of various sizes at your local electrical supplier.
-- '82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T --
When I read this I had to scratch my head and go fix a double bourbon. There is no way a center punch like these are going to crush/deform AL tubing.
http://www.homedepot.com/…r-Punch-70079H/206007134
+1
I've had those for years. They are the only way to mark something when you need to do it insitu.
-- Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap --