Thermometer mods

[jlansink]

Probably a very dumb question but here goes anyway. I'm installing 2 thermometers on my Chargriller DUO (same as Pro) and they call for a 13/16 hole. The instructions say "just drill a 13/16 hole"...like it's no big deal. Do they make a 13/16 drill bit for metal??? that's pretty damn big. How have the rest of you drilled these holes?
Thanks in advance. jeff

 

[geek with fire]

The best way to drill sheet metals is to use a multi-step uni-bit (actually the best way is to use a punch, but I'm guessing you don't have a set...I don't either). It's a tapered looking gizmo with steps in it for every 1/16". I think the smaller bits only go up to 3/4", but I think there is another size that goes up higher. If not, just drill a 3/4" hole and give it a good "woller" until the gage fits. I would of course measure the gage just to make sure they didn't misprint it, because that does sound rather large.

 

[jlansink]

thanks for the reply. I'm guessing that I can buy this step-gizmo thing at Lowes???

 

[dadwith4daughters]

Jlans...I took a regular drill bit and put it right through my chargriller. No big deal. I picked a bit that was large enough for a cork and then took a meat thermo and pushed it throught the cork. It fits perfectly in the hole. I put mine in the middle below the crappy one that comes with it. fyi, it reads about 5degrees hotter than my surface thermo.

 

[geek with fire]

That's good advice! The only question I have is how hot have you gotten your smoking chamber and not burned the cork?

I meant to add this on my first post. It's not a dumb question at all. Also, be carefull drilling sheet metal if you haven't before. The flutes of the bit sometimes hang up on burrs in the partial hole and can cause your drill to wack you in the head. If you've done this before, you know what I'm talking about. If this happens, just run the drill in reverse until the burrs are flattened down and give it another shot, not pressing too hard.

 

[walking dude]

also what mite help, is to place a block of wood behind the metal........i realize the metal is curved somewhat.........but hold a piece of wood will give some backing to the pressure you are going to have to apply......not familar with that particular smoker, but i would believe it to be 1/8th inch?
i realize it may not flex as much as, say, 10 gauge sheet steel........but it still mite........the piece of wood will give you some support............OR......i could be all wet.........wouldn't be the first time.....LOL

 

[desertlites]

ya u can get a hole saw set-up for under $10-when I made my ABT holders I used a spade bit (paddle) wasnt real pretty but worked,they come in 13/16-I didn't want to use me hole saw through metal-I a woodworker.If u use a paddle go slow.

 

[walking dude]

a SPADE bit for metal?
new one on me..........please illuminate me..........

 

[desertlites]

like I said worked but wasn't real pretty-had to sand the inside edges anyway-used old pie tins for my abt holders-and after the bit was toast.

 

[ddave]

I used a hole saw for mine. If you know someone who has a kit like this



see if you can borrow the 13/16" one. I just bought the 13/16" saw and arbor from the local True Value hardware store. They sell them separately there. Really didn't have a need for the whole kit.

Good luck.

Dave

 

[crazzycajun]

what geek is talking about is a vari bit made by lenox ma have to drill 1/8 pilot hole depending on thickness but these things are ruthless little pricey but the last for ever heres a link
http://www.right-tool.com/vardrilbit.html
hope this helps i wouldnt use a paddle bit the stitches alone are more than the right tool

 

[walking dude]

isn't that a WOOD hole boring kit?

wouldn't a char-griller duo, be about a 1/8th inch thick?

i would think that would destroy ANY type of wood bit, being spade OR wood hole saw......LONG before getting the hole drilled.........hate to borrow one, destroy it, then have to replace it............

 

[ddave]

Actually it is made for metal also.

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-49-2...8454510&sr=1-2

The kits are pretty pricey though.

You just have to check when you buy it. The single one I bought was made for metal. Cut two holes for the thermos in my avatar pic with no problems.

You are right. I wouldn't want to borrow someone's wood bit and destroy it.

Dave

 

[dadwith4daughters]

That's good advice! The only question I have is how hot have you gotten your smoking chamber and not burned the cork?

I hope I'm doing this right. Still not a pro at using the "quote" option in the forum like all you other, more impressive, users.

Answer to the cork question: I've had temps as high as 300 in there. Not for long, but it does fine at 275 without issue. I started out with one those fake corks which did melt above 250. My recent cork has been in there for about 3 months and hasn't burned yet. But regarding the drill smacking you upside the head, you're right! Dang near took my arm off too. Thank goodness there was a beer near by...

 

[desertlites]

and yes if you don't know what your doing don't us a spade bit.