What type of tool used to drill 2 1/2″vent holes through an 8″ structural beam?
user-389891
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I assume its some sort of hole saw or big auger bit? How do you get the extension?
Replies
NONE!
I assume the beam is 8 inches wide by some greater height and that is why you need an extension? It's technically possible to do but it would weaken the structural beam significantly, possibly to the point of eventual failure.
How am I supposed to run the vent if not through the beams that comprise the outer wall structure that supports a loft? The only way to run them through the wall is through a couple of beams.
Get creative with the vent route. Box in a soffit or go sideways through another wall for a bit. Drilling that big of a hole in a structural beam is a last resort even if it is allowed and won't compromise the structure.
Is this a plumbing vent?
I don't quite follow this. How come the vent is under the beam? When you have a beam it is usually because it spans something. Is there a wall under the beam? Don't you have any interior partitions? Does the vent originate in a wall?
Unclear: What are the full dimensions of the beam -- is it 8" thick or 8" tall, and how long? And how far from the end will these holes be.
A 2.5" hole in an 8" beam will be moderately weakening the beam, especially if drilled below the center line. It could be in violation of code.
In general, when drilling a dense wood beam (is it laminated?) you'd want to use a hole saw, but it's difficult to find a hole saw that will drill deeper than about 3", drilling through 8" of thickness could be a cute little puppy. (Drill as far as you can, use a screwdriver to break off the core, then drill some more.)
Don't know what you mean by "extension".
This outfit sells bits up to 6" deep: https://pipemanproducts.com/tapmaster-xtra-deep-hole-saws.php
Let me put this on hold until I can get a pic or exact dimensions. Project is in another town.
Here is a link for how a person welded two (but it could be several) hole saws together to get greater depth:
https://www.workshopaddict.com/forum/metal-working-tools/3557-extra-deep-holesaw-how-i-made-one.html
Why not just buy one?
https://www.amazon.com/Spyder-600830-Diameter-Cutting-Depth/dp/B06ZYLKNNW/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=extra+deep+hole+saw&qid=1550508160&s=gateway&sr=8-14
You can use a self feed forstner bit and an extension. But as has been noted, drilling through a structural beam is not encouraged. Manufacturers of floor systems are quite specific at to where beams can be drilled, how big the hole is, etc. So unless you are certain that the proposed hole is well within those parameters, I'd look for another option. Otherwise it could make for an expensive vent ?