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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Boring Out Keel Pin Hole

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Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/20/2007 : 21:05:45

I've been reading up on threads reguarding replacing the swing keel hardware and I don't think I am going to have any problems except for boring out the keel pin hole to install a sheave. The hole on my keel is badly worn and I have the parts on order. Those of you that have completed this project, can you please give me some tips?
Where do you find a 1-1/4" drill bit for drilling? My local Home Depot and other stores only sell up to 1". Do any of you have a used bit to sell? What kind of drill do you use that can be mounted? I guess I'll look into possibly renting one once I figure out what I need. I read the tips on creating a plywood jib to mount the drill to.

This sounds like a lot of work and I hope to get it done soon. I'm also thinking about looking into if I can pay someone to do it, but it sounds like I would have to haul the keel to a machinist which would be VERY difficult to do and probably even more work/time.

Thanks,

Justin
Previous Owner of Sapphire Breeze - 1982 Catalina 25 SK/SR
My sail blog site: https://reveriesailing.com/

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2007 : 22:10:13

Try to find a place that rents portable magnetic-base drill presses. A mag base drill will clamp onto the flat portion of the keel head (in any orientation) and make your job a lot easier. The ones I've used in the past were by 'Bux'. Local machine, millwright or fabrication shops will likely have just such an animal handy. They may even be able to come out and drill the hole on site. (may be the best approach for you).

At any rate, you will want one with a drill motor that is geared to turn pretty slowly as boring a 1-1/4" hole wants a drill speed of about 300 to 350 rpm. You will also need pretty substantial feed pressure. With a manual feed drill you may want to get several bits incrementially larger than the original hole by about 1/8" at a time so you can keep good surface pressure in the cut.

If you can't get a Bux drill, try to find an old fashioned heavy-duty drillmotor and jury rig a lever behind the motor so you can get good feed pressure (one guy pushing, one guiding the drill). Also invest in a can of machining/cutting fluid like 'Rapid-Tap' to help keep the bit cool and cutting. Do not use ordinary oil or you will ruin the bit.

I do have an ancient portable drill 'field' press that could be clamped to the keel head and an equally ancient Thor drillmotor that would probably do the job... but you are all the way across the country from me and shipping it baack and forth would probably be far more expensive than a local rental.

Edited by - ClamBeach on 05/20/2007 22:54:08

ct95949
Captain

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Aruba
300 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2007 : 23:06:57

My keel pin hole was so egg shaped that drilled it out to 1 1/2" and installed a 1" I.D. bronze bushing. I got the bit from Northern Tool with a 1/2" chuck for 25 or 30 dollars, used my 1/2" Black and Decker drill and a lot of elbow grease. And like Clam says lots of cooling oil. It took about an hour working from both sides.
I don't think being perfectly square is that critical, my keel bolted up fine and with all new parts there was zero slop.

Edited by - ct95949 on 05/21/2007 10:00:37

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2007 : 16:00:20

Craig,
Where did you purchase the bronze bushing?

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ct95949
Captain

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Aruba
300 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2007 : 17:15:47

I just went to a local machine shop and gave them the measurements. It was done in a couple days and cost about $40 as I remember. It tapped in tight with a hammer and a block of wood. It was slightly wider than the keel so I could lay some thickened epoxy around it but still fit between the hanger castings.

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Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2007 : 18:02:18

Anyone know if 3 in 1 oil will work as a cutting oil? My local Home Depot didn't know what cutting oil is and they didn't have any with their lubricant section. Anyone have tips on where to buy some? This is a little last minute, I hope to begin drilling tomorrow.

Thanks!

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2007 : 19:51:39

Don't use lubricating oil... it's designed to prevent things from cutting.

Call your hardware stores looking for 'pipe threading oil', threadcutting oil, or as an alternative a brand name 'Rapidtap'. You might also be able to find 'soluble oil'.. it mixes with water to form 'moose milk'. That would work too.

Heh... Brings back memories. When I was a youngster working in a machine shop, one of my jobs was to tend the 'Moose Milk Mixer'.. a wooden barrel with an elaborate hand-cranked stirrer to mix up the soluble oil/water for the machine tools.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.