260 table mod, how in the

[Guest]

heck did you (forgot who...) drill through the stainless compression post to allow the table to be raised to the ceiling and pinned up there to be out of the way? The drill bits I have would pretty much not touch it. That stuff is HARD.Suggestions?Thankyou.Tom M.

 

[Joe]

drilling stainless steel

Hi Tom,I know your frustration. There a few strict but simple rules for drilling stainless steel. I think we all have learned to adhere to them after an initial bad experience.#1 Use only good grade, new or perfectly sharpened bits.#2 Use a punch to "dent" your starting point.#3 Start with a small bit of about 3/16" Then go up in size gradually.#4 Use a few drops of oil.#5 Run the drill extremely slowly.If the bit burns at all, stop and check for dulling. If it has dulled at all it must be properly sharpened or replaced.Oh, and watch out for the CB up haul line in the compression post.Fair Winds and hope this helps,Joe C. in NC"01 H260 Windward Passage

 

[Tom M.]

Thanks Joe, and

Thanks for responding Joe.Yes, I used a center punch and was trying a 3/16" bit. I'll try again with a new good quality bit, a little oil and a slower speed. After that I may seek a professional. Is there any tip you can give regarding lining up the hole on either side? I just propped up the table and eyeballed a spot on either side with the punch and was going to drill in from either side rather than straight through.Thanks again.Tom M.

 

[Joe]

Hole alignment on a pole

Hang in there, Tom, you'll get it.This may sound crazy, but I have "practiced" a questionable procedure on something scrap before doing it to a boat, car, etc.A piece of paper wrapped around the pole so it lines back up with itself will give you a square line around a pole. Make a mark on the paper where you think is center on the other side. the distance should be equal going to the mark each way around the pole.Hope this helps,Joe C. in NC

 

[Jim Loats]

That's what I did and it works great!

"Is there any tip you can give regarding lining up the hole on either side? I just propped up the table and eyeballed a spot on either side with the punch and" I drilled "in from either side rather than straight through."Couldn't have said it better myself!You'll love all the room!!Jim LoatsS/V Grizzly Bear