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Tools needed to mod Helium sticks?

S

sojourner

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2014
Messages
1,715
So, I am not a manly man and don't have extensive tools, especially to cut and drill the aluminum on my Helium sticks.

I plan on cutting stick bar to 22", drilling three holes (two bottom steps at 19.5" and one for legs to tree at 21.5"), and drilling enough of a hole to nest the Versa button.

What tool(s) are needed to drill the holes? I am guessing a drill press???

What tool(s) are needed to cut and take off sharp edges on the stick?

Thanks!
 
I used a drill press for the holes and a miter saw with a titanium carbide blade to cut the sticks. I can not remember all my measurements, but make sure you measure everything out so you have your steps spaced like you want and make sure the brackets are in a place so they will stack well. I made a boo boo on the first stick that I cut. I just filed the cuts down a little to take any sharp edges off them.
 
redsquirrel said:
I used a drill press for the holes and a miter saw with a titanium carbide blade to cut the sticks. I can not remember all my measurements, but make sure you measure everything out so you have your steps spaced like you want and make sure the brackets are in a place so they will stack well. I made a boo boo on the first stick that I cut. I just filed the cuts down a little to take any sharp edges off them.
Click to expand...

Thanks Red. Any special bits for the drill in the drill press? Also, does the drill press need to be bolted onto a work bench? It looks top heavy.

This looks like at least a couple hundred dollars worth of purchases. I'll have to dip into the thread injector savings.
 
sojourner said:
Thanks Red. Any special bits for the drill in the drill press? Also, does the drill press need to be bolted onto a work bench? It looks top heavy.

This looks like at least a couple hundred dollars worth of purchases. I'll have to dip into the thread injector savings.
Click to expand...

Lol. I just used my titanium bits and they worked fine. I borrowed my dad's miter saw when I was putting some new molding in and got a drill press off Amazon for less than $100. If I was doing more than tinkering mostly I'd want something better but it works pretty well. You could do it with a hand drill but the drill press increases the quality of the job.
 
I used the drill bits I had on hand. Dewalt ones ... the aluminum is pretty soft for drilling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
redsquirrel said:
Lol. I just used my titanium bits and they worked fine. I borrowed my dad's miter saw when I was putting some new molding in and got a drill press off Amazon for less than $100. If I was doing more than tinkering mostly I'd want something better but it works pretty well. You could do it with a hand drill but the drill press increases the quality of the job.
Click to expand...

I am ashamed to admit this, but my wife has a miter saw, 12". She said I could use it only if I bought the blade to use. She also has a thread injector, but she will absolutely not let me use it on the sit drag. I only found out about the miter saw after I mentioned to her I was planning on picking one up (after your reply).

After I set up some cameras tomorrow I am going to go to Lowes to pick up a drill press. I should be set. Thanks for the information.
 
Jefferson10940 said:
I used the drill bits I had on hand. Dewalt ones ... the aluminum is pretty soft for drilling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I'll be picking up some drill bits tomorrow at Lowes.
 
drill presses are awesome but not needed to spend on for a versa button. Ask a handsy type neighbor if he has a drill and show him what you want to do. Few minutes later you will probably have the hole for your versa button.

then miter saw and a file

Ah I see you want to drill for steps too. Drill press is the best then

Check out harbor freight if you have any near ya...with their 20-25% off coupons you get a drill press under 50 bucks
 
Last edited:
sb220 said:
drill presses are awesome but not needed to spend on for a versa button. Ask a handsy type neighbor if he has a drill and show him what you want to do. Few minutes later you will probably have the hole for your versa button

then miter saw and a file
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply! In addition to the Versa button, I have to drill holes for the two bottom steps and the legs that touch the tree. Plus, my OCD would be relieved knowing the holes are perpendicular to the beam.
 
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