Can't lose slug in S.S. PIPE, PLEASE HELP !

[toolaholic]

Friend is drilling 8"Sch. 160 SS pipe. Needs pilot bits to capture slugs!
Big problem if they fall in pipe. Tanks Tool :eek:

[MAC702]

Give us more info. What size hole saw are you using? Do you have to use a hole saw?

Why can't they fall into the pipe? Is it a vertical pipe and they will fall too far away? Or is there something in the pipe that might carry it away? Is the pipe empty? Are you drilling straight down or at what angle?

I don't work with much stainless pipe, so I can only ASSume it is not a magnetic stainless steel.

[usmcpop]

More info needed. Where there is a will there is a way but there's no need to speculate.

[sooeey2u]

Drill at a slight angle till you've cut thru 90% of the hole circumference.

Insert a bent rod into the pilot hole then use same hole to insert file end or small screw driver. Work the slug back and forth till it breaks free and retract it with the bent rod.

Or you might weld a piece of scrap metal to the slug before freeing it.

We do it everyday here at the shop.

Hope this helps.

QCRobert

[MAC702]

Just thinking about the situation, though, drill the pilot hole first. Then instead of a drill bit as a pilot for the hole saw, use something like this: http://www.scaffoldingdepot.com/newsite/images/togglepin.jpg, just using a straight one, though.

You can probably find something that is 1/4" diameter, just like the typical pilot bit in a hole saw.

[toolaholic]

I told Bob D. From the ridgid Plumbing Forum to come over here for the answers.
He is the Fitter doing this work. Any slug or cuttings in this existing line is unacceptable ?

[MAC702]

Cuttings, too? As in the chips from drilling? Is there any tolerance for some?

[urch55]

Did not say if it was a flat or vertical cut.

A shop vacuum will catch a lot of chips but, I don't think it will catch all of them. Even using three of them..

[Blacksmith]

When I saw the comment about using three vacuums at once a million unpostable comments went through my head. :D Shame on me! :eek:

[urch55]

When I saw the comment about using three vacuums at once a million unpostable comments went through my head. :D Shame on me! :eek:

I use a vacuum to catch drilling's, filings even grindings. So I must have missed something or, we are on different pages. Yea that's right different pages.

[toolaholic]

a second post from Bob. High pressure system. Just over 1" thick.only 14" clearance above pipe. Vac drill or ridgid H.C. 450, if enough room ? No plasma. 100 % shaving capture! The Bull of the T is looking down. Sounds Like They need a magician, not a welder! Tool

[BMB]

What size hole and what do they run in this hi pressure pipe?

[toolaholic]

I'll send Bob a P.M. and ask Him to come over here.