OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers Model 45 17" solid deck

I'm guessing the drill jig was made on the Bridgeport clone, not on that big Cincinnati vertical mill? What kind of plate (the material and hardness) did you make the jig out of?

Grumpy

You are correct in regards to the machine, in relation to the metal, that one is to technical for me, however as this thing won't get a whole lot of use, it's hard enough that the holes will not be flogged out after a couple of uses. I would assume that a shop would different material if it was being used for production purposes

Scuba, for production purposes you use very thick steel plate, with replaceable hardened steel bushes in every hole. The bushes wear out, even so. Personally I would not use your jig even for half a dozen plates, I'd just use it as a guide for centerpunching the holes so I could drill them by hand.

Grumpy, I dont disagree, as this is for personal use and it last long engough to convert both cracked twin rail frames to solid decks, then it has done it job, after that it will more than likely be headed to the scrap heap.

I agree that if you are very careful you should be able to get at least two perfect jobs from it, Scuba. I had it in mind that you might find yourself being asked to help out a number of other members though, and that is when you'd start to curse the original decision.

Hi Scuba, and thanks for posting the pics.
It is a shame we couldn't get some working drawings from all your hard work there.
Well done mate, good work.