Cat 235 remote field work

**brg** · Apr 24, 2017, 04:11 AM

brg
i need to build a portable boring machine, to sleeve two 3 1/2" x 20" pin holes in an excavator which are worn tapered up 5" any help appreciated.

**Jon** · Apr 24, 2017, 08:51 AM

Hi brg - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Interesting! I'm going to see if any of our heavy equipment or machining folks have some ideas for you.

**drhall223** · Apr 24, 2017, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by brg

brg
i need to build a portable boring machine, to sleeve two 3 1/2" x 20" pin holes in an excavator which are worn tapered up 5" any help appreciated.

I think the first issue is how to attach the boring head to the equipment. Once a mount is fabricated that will be rigid then mounting one of the high torgue, low speed portable drills could be doable. One of the larger 1hp model might work.

**mrehmus** · Apr 24, 2017, 09:26 AM

Take a look at those portable cylinder boring tools. They are designed to swing a single cutter through the bore. There are also welders to bring the bore back to size so you can remachine them to final size.

Cat 235 remote field work-boring-machine.jpg

Cat 235 remote field work-welding-machine.jpg

**mrehmus** · Apr 24, 2017, 09:37 AM

By the way, there are machine shops that specialize in on-site heavy machinery work.

**rick9345** · Apr 24, 2017, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by mrehmus

By the way, there are machine shops that specialize in on-site heavy machinery work.

like moving heavy equipment, hire the people who do it for a living,quicker,cheaper,safer.

**Hans Pearson** · Apr 24, 2017, 09:50 AM

Use a drill with a magnetic base as a milling machine with suitable supports for a boring bar.

**mrehmus** · Apr 24, 2017, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Hans Pearson

Use a drill with a magnetic base as a milling machine with suitable supports for a boring bar.

The magnetic drills are only good for 1/2" or so. Not as big as he needs and they turn too fast for this job.

**jhovel** · Apr 24, 2017, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Hans Pearson

Use a drill with a magnetic base as a milling machine with suitable supports for a boring bar.

That would be my advice too - in the absence of dedicated equipment like was shown in the video above. Flanged, self-aligning ball bearings bolted to a sacrificial flat steel bar and welded to the cat will work well to hold the DIY boring bar. Good luck and show us the results!

**mrlumu** · Apr 24, 2017, 06:04 PM

I had to do the same job many years ago and we rented a Climax portable boring machine. For a 1 time job I think that would be the easiest solution. Should be able to find one most anywhere as we are in a town of less than 20,000 people and had no problem. Climax has a rental program and here is their contact link We're Here To Help! - Contact Us - CLIMAX Portable