Drilling T-post holes in rock
ref
This summer I'm planning to put in a fence behind my place. The
ground, about a foot down, is *solid* flintrock/caliche. It's
my understanding that you can drill holes with a hydraulic
rock drill (NOT a jack hammer, a real rock drill), which can
be rented for about $100 a day. Then you just whang the T-posts
down into the holes, where they stay put durn near forever.
This is in the area west of Lake Travis, near Austin, Texas.
I'd be very appreciative to communicate with anyone who has
done this kind of fence installation, who might have any
comments or advice to share.
Thanks,
Ron M.
do...@tmstechsys.com
I've never heard of that, but it sounds good. However, don't forget you're
going to need some wider diameter holes for corner posts. A jack hammer would
help for those, but all I've ever done is use a chipping bar and water to
soften the caliche. Let the water sit for awhile and the work's easier.
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
http://www.dejanews.com/ Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading
JC Cooper
ref wrote in message <6inanm$5...@jake.bga.com>...
>This summer I'm planning to put in a fence behind my place. The
>ground, about a foot down, is *solid* flintrock/caliche. It's
>my understanding that you can drill holes with a hydraulic
>rock drill (NOT a jack hammer, a real rock drill), which can
>be rented for about $100 a day. Then you just whang the T-posts
>down into the holes, where they stay put durn near forever.
>
>This is in the area west of Lake Travis, near Austin, Texas.
>
>I'd be very appreciative to communicate with anyone who has
>done this kind of fence installation, who might have any
>comments or advice to share.
>
>Thanks,
>Ron M.
My wife and I used to own the company that installed all those annoying
Century 21 signs in Houston, San Antone, Austin and points in between. In my
opinion, it would be easier to just train your animals to not cross the
property line. I have never seen such pretty country on such a wicked
foundation.
If you should experience the rare phenomenon of finding
that what I said is incorrect, please notify your nearest
government groupie organization. I will, however, exercise
my right to invoke Executive Excuse. And the DEAD beat
goes on and on and on and on.
JC Cooper
Mayor
Gnat Flats, Texas
Brian J. McCarthy
southern NH) came with a tow-behind air compresssor to drive the
stone drill itself, and a screw on diamond tipped end for the tip
of the "Drill bit". The one I got was a 2" one, they had smaller
sizes.
You used it like a jack hammer (not that I've ever used a jack hammer
before I rented this) but it spins the drill shaft and pushes air
down through the shaft to remove the stone dust its creating.
Once you got the hang of it, it was rather easy to position and
start new holes.
I used it with a few feather and wedge setups (and the wedge was
on the jack hammer which I also rented).
I did this to shave the end of what I thought was ledge so I could
reposition my driveway. Of course, this year a Hyundai excavator
just picked what was left in the ground of that "ledge" and moved
it aside.
I'm not sure what you mean by T-posts but if they are similar to the
green-colored metal posts, or even the ones used for road signs around
here, I would think that some cement would be needed to hold them
in the holes (and upright).
Brian J. McCarthy
Ratter1
>I'm not sure what you mean by T-posts but if they are similar to the
>green-colored metal posts, or even the ones used for road signs around
>here, I would think that some cement would be needed to hold them
>in the holes (and upright).
>
>Brian J. McCarthy
T-posts look like the letter T when you gaze down on them. They are formed from
fairly heavy stock. The wire is usually tied to them. I don't know if the
tie-wire is furnished with the posts or if it's a separate purchase. The ones
used around here in East Texas have a "barb" on the end that goes in the ground.
Probably all the post have one. They are driven into the ground using a
hand-operated tool made for that purpose. It's a piece of heavy-walled pipe
about 16-18 inches long welded shut on one end and grab-handles welded on, one
handle to the side. Sometimes two people operate it (the smart thing to do) but
it can be used by one. No rocks here to speak of in my area. Just jam the
T-post in the ground and place the driver over the top and have at it. It's
better than using a sledge hammer. It's very physical work, so if you're not in
shape... About the only thing around here that knocks them over is a wayward
vehicle. No cement is required in the hole.