Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
In my early years I've hit water lines (causing a gusher) fiber lines and coaxial. I always file dig tickets now... I don't like digging blind
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Post holes with a drill...
- Thread starter Moze
- Start date
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
$2k for fiber
signage
New Member
That is low, if you cut the fiber it will cost many time higher that 2K unless it is only you neighborhood CATV line! Cut a trunk line and you will be out of business, unless you have really good insurance! trunk lines are like 2K min.
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
It was 15 years ago...it was a main line
chester215
Just call me Chester.
It is a matter of time.
First, entering the info into the online database, it's a matter of scale. Let's say on our busiest days we get a minimum of 400+ sign orders, 1/2 of them being new installs where cbyd can be called. If it takes 3 min for each of the 200 new locations to be entered online = 600 min or 10 hours a day just in entering cbyd data for locations to be marked.
Second. The delay waiting to get the area marked in our area is 2 working days. In an industry where there are cancelled orders because properties already sell before we can put the sign up, it would mean a further loss of revenue.
Third, It doesn't happen often enough to worry about. Don't get me wrong, if it happened every day we would call cbyd, but it is a calculated risk.
The Real Estate companies have on their order form a waiver that says if we are not asked to call cbyd, they are responsible for any underground objects we hit when putting up a sign. Mostly we hit sprinkler systems and dog fences but there are no regulations in our area for the depth of cable lines so we cut into them occasionally as well.
I don't think digging holes 18"-24" deep we are going to hit any high pressure gas lines.
These days it is mostly dog fences and sprinkler lines which cbyd wouldn't mark anyway.
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Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
I'm reporting back here because that little drill attachment Moze posted is amazing. I've used it on about 10 jobs over the last month and it's worked everytime. I have it on the end of a regular Dewalt drill, not the fancy one Moze has in the video... and it's amazing. Plows right though and the drill stops before it get to the point of ripping my hand off (unlike gas powered auger)
The best part is I'm not lugging around a heavy ass auger.. and the drill bit fits in my truck toolboxes so I can have it onboard all the time.
The best part is I'm not lugging around a heavy ass auger.. and the drill bit fits in my truck toolboxes so I can have it onboard all the time.
CanuckSigns
Active Member
I'm always jealous of you guys in warm climates, a 24" deep hole wouldn't cut it here, minimum 40" to get below the frost line
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
how do you dig holes when the ground is frozen solid?
signage
New Member
That only for posts correct? Isn't it deeper for Footings?
CanuckSigns
Active Member
I have no experience with footings, but I believe the footing depth is dependent on the size of the sign above.
CanuckSigns
Active Member
CanuckSigns
Active Member
I've never heard of that, but I've never put a sign up in an old Indian graveyard, so who knows.
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
I wouldn't BS my customer with red tape. Just get the not a flamethrower and job done...
Notarealsignguy
Arial - it's almost helvetica
Is that linoleum on the table? How does that work out?
Moze
Active Member
Adding this to the thread in case it helps anyone.
Augers tend to throw the dirt pretty far which typically results in a bunch of time spent on clean up if you're in any kind of 'finished' area. My solution to this is a heavy duty tarp with a square cut out of the center (I 'sealed' the cut edges with Gorilla Tape so it won't fray). I place a safety cone where the hole needs to be, then spread the tarp over it so the hole goes around the cone, move the cone and then auger the hole. After augering the hole, the spread out dirt is easy to either broom or tip into a pile with the tarp, and transfer into a tub, bucket, etc.
Augers tend to throw the dirt pretty far which typically results in a bunch of time spent on clean up if you're in any kind of 'finished' area. My solution to this is a heavy duty tarp with a square cut out of the center (I 'sealed' the cut edges with Gorilla Tape so it won't fray). I place a safety cone where the hole needs to be, then spread the tarp over it so the hole goes around the cone, move the cone and then auger the hole. After augering the hole, the spread out dirt is easy to either broom or tip into a pile with the tarp, and transfer into a tub, bucket, etc.
Stacey K
I like making signs
This is a great idea! I use an ice auger also and boy, what a mess!
Texas_Signmaker
Very Active Signmaker
Nice idea. The auger bit has not disappointed. When I'm on a construction site it never fails the contractors will watch in amazement and say they never thought a drill could do that. Did 3 holes yesterday out in some hard dried dirt... I don't even break a sweat anymore.
Moze
Active Member
It works especially well in cases where you don't have to use concrete. A helper and I set 8 posts yesterday and it took about 5 minutes per sign to lay the tarp out, auger the hole, set the post in, tip the dirt back in/around the post, tamp it down and screw the face on.