Hi, I'm Ryan new to this forum.
I'm starting work with a company, and have been detailed to find bits and drills that we will use to redeck a wood bridge in Billerica, MA.
The new deck will be full 4x6 ACQ pressure treat, and cut ends will be daubed with more 'stuff'.
The existing stringers and bents are old, thus very dry and probably hard.
My question is this: The decking is to replace old worn decking. We will be using "dome head" bolts, and we will be drill through the decking and stringers, with nuts on the underside.
I have recommended using ship augers (or similar) for the drilling (3/4 inch hot double-dipped galvy bolts), due to their length.
The boss has asked about using Forstner-type bits, but I have recommended against them due to their tendency to wander in the hands of the un(der)trained, and the buildup of chips making withdrawal difficult if not impossible, ESPECIALLY in the depths we're going thru.
The ship augers available in the Grainger catalog are only 17 inches overall. Does anyone make longer augers? Can I use extensions?
Ship augers leave slightly nasty holes. Are there any lipped augers that will make cleaner holes?
Also, the boss has some concerns of guiding the bits straight, is there a 'drill press' that'll help get the holes started? I don't need it, but the other guys WILL.
What to use for power? We have air drills and large trailered compressors available, as well as generators. I was thinking more in the line of some Milwaukee Hole Hogs. I used a right angle model helping build the barn, and it was no big deal. The boss is concerned about fatigue among other problems.
I was trained as a machinist, have done carpentry and the like for 8 years now, and know my butt from a hole in the ground. I think that I have a good handle on my skills, but will be working with a bunch of muck savages (glorified ditch diggers) that do foundation repairs.
Comments? HELP!!!!