General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDo we have a machinist group here at DU?
I need to drill a couple of 3/8" holes in a spring from a golf cart and need to know how to do it
HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)Don't know what you're drilling but I wouldn't attempt drilling a coil spring without a drill press and jig clamps
madokie
(51,076 posts)is what I need to drill the holes in
HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)when it's thin.
I don't know anything about golf cart springs... but there is a small machine shop in the hamlet near where I had a farm. I turned to them for tricky jobs.
Lurker Deluxe
(1,036 posts)You would not attempt to punch a hole in something hard like that, it would shatter.
Carbide is not needed, and small bit are not "tipped" but solid. Expensive and not needed.
HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)A leaf spring? If so, I assume that you know that a hole will will probably cause a substantial reduction in its ability to bear loads, and its longevity?
(Just checking! )
madokie
(51,076 posts)but thanks for reminding me
I'm putting a lift kit on our golf cart to use for a mushroom foraging machine to get my old ass out through the woods cause I can't walk like I used to could and everything I make just doesn't get the job done like this golf cart will now that I have it lifted up and with bigger tires and wheels on it. I'll mostly be on trails but still some of them are pretty rough and the springs that came with the lift kit is stiffer than I want, too rough riding for my old bones. I'm putting the original springs back on the rear and thats not a problem but the front spring will need cut off and a couple 3/8" holes in them. the holes will be out next to the end so they won't be causing much harm out there.
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)So not between the two points the spring attaches to the cart?
Then that should be OK!
Good luck, very cool idea!
Lurker Deluxe
(1,036 posts)Well the material may be hard, it is not a difficult task.
A drill bit from Home Depot is not going to get it done though.
Find your local machine shop supply and buy an 1/8" M42 (cobalt) split point drill bit. Turn the bit slowly while keeping some form of lubricant/coolant on the bit. The easies way to do this is to first use the bit to drill an 1/8" hole in a plastic soda bottle cap, filling the bottle with water, and using it as a squirt bottle. Water will work, but actual coolant is better. Ask at the supply house and they may have a sample bottle of some product they are pushing. If not put bar soap (Ivory) on the end of the bit and drill for a few seconds, then reapply. Bar soap is a great lubricant, but still use the water to remove the heat from the friction.
The key is to not let the drill bit get overheated as it will lose it's point. Take your time and be patient. Once the pilot is through the rest is cake, purchase a decent grade (Nachi) 3/8" drill bit (at the same place) and it will follow through with little effort, again slow and be patient.
Fix The Stupid
(948 posts)Not a machinist, but I sell Industrial Supplies for a living... this guy nailed it...
Enrique
(27,461 posts)madokie
(51,076 posts)Thank you
Fix The Stupid
(948 posts)I just found some Cleveland 1/8" Cobalt bits in stock. We got stuck with them...dead stock...
I'll ship'em out to you, free, if I can find a way to get them to you...
Cheers.
Fix The Stupid
(948 posts)Javaman
(62,530 posts)my dad was a machinist.
And yes, you are spot on.
MineralMan
(146,317 posts)and you can take the springs there, they can do those holes easily with a 3/8" carbide end mill. The cost might not be too high, and buying the tooling you need to do it yourself might be nearly that price.
If you can't take the springs to the machine shop, though, it might be better to take one of the other suggestions.