Sounds like too much.

[custom10nut]

I went to a machine shops today to ask about cutting two 4 inch holes in my front bumper, in order to mount my driving lights permanently.
I was given a dialog about how long it would take to set up and secure, and then cut the holes. The guy told me two hours at $90 an hour to do it.
That works out to $90 per hole.
It this the going rate?
Is there a hole saw that can be bought to use on a drill press?
I have access to a large press with variable speed, so that's not an issue.
I know I have seen where people have drilled holes in bumpers to mount fog lights, so the steel can't be that hard.
Any input is greatly accepted

[Harms9909]

Yes, 4" hole saws are available. You should be able to purchase one at one of your larger hardware stores. I would guess it would be around 25$ Make sure that you purchase a bimetal blade made for drilling through metal though. I personally have never drilled a bumper but I have done several heavy guage metal doors, I cant imagine it would be that terrible. Good luck!

I did a quick search on Lowes website. Here is what you are looking for...
http://www.lowes.com/pd/LENOX-4-in-B...le-Saw/3361258

[custom10nut]

Thanks for the info. I know I can get one at several places. Do you think the abrasive type blade would make the cut? Or maybe the carbide blade? When I first started thinking about this, I thought the saw was kinda expensive. Not any more. Now I'm leaning towards doing it myself, but I just don't want to screw up my bumper.

[Coley]

$90/hr using professional machine tools is not too uncommon....those shops are dealing with a lot of overhead in that equipment.
You might find a cheaper shop but its unlikely to get much below $75/hr.
Also, you might find you are going to be into more than 1 hole saw given the hardness of the chrome and the fact that you have 2 holes to do...and I think those bumpers are 3/16" thick...which is pretty hefty.
Maybe you can get them waterjet cut for less money?....worth an enquiry.
Here is another idea...take it to a (larger) sheet metal shop and see what they can do...their rates are usually lower than a machine shop, ya' never know. They have a lot of special equipment just for doing holes so they might be able to do it for less.
My two bits.
Coley

[RodnRudy]

Cost is more than machine work but it is new.
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=111

[jeffahart]

4" is a large hole. You can layout the hole with tape and compass, then drill a small pilot hole just inside the layout. Then cut it out with a jigsaw. As far as metal goes... the front bumper is pretty thin. It cuts real easy with a jigsaw and a metal blade. You can cut just inside the layout line and fine tune with a dermal. Take your time easy money!

[custom10nut]

Rodnrudy, I thought about the LMC rout, but I want to keep the white bumper

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by jeffahart

4" is a large hole. You can layout the hole with tape and compass, then drill a small pilot hole just inside the layout. Then cut it out with a jigsaw. As far as metal goes... the front bumper is pretty thin. It cuts real easy with a jigsaw and a metal blade. You can cut just inside the layout line and fine tune with a dermal. Take your time easy money!

This^ or lay out the hole with tape and use a cut off disc and pie cut till you can trim out the small triangles and smooth out the edges.

Peice of short 4" pipe and a backer plate should make a good solid mounting.

[72 tigger]

I cut two 4" holes in a I beam (1/2" web) a few years ago using a bi-metal hole saw- went well- used plenty of cutting fluid. Drill a 1/4" hole in the center for your guide bit then, mount your hole saw in a drill & just take your time

[firedemon]

I make tube frames and use bi metal hole saws to notch the tube they work great . slow speed around 200 rpm and cutting fluid not wd40 lots of it and let the tool do the work don't force it . I have used bi metal hole saws to make holes in 1 inch thick 1080 cold rolled steel plate to make spring plates for Harley front ends so a bumper will be no problem

[firedemon]

like those

[Shinysideup]

Quick and easy with my plasma cutter. I gotta say It sounds like it will look weird though.

[In The Ten Ring]

You need nicer machine shop owners!

There is a small shop up the road from my parents and they have cut several things for me (small pieces) and refused to take any payment!

I just make the guy take at least a few dollars.

Sometimes, if you can get to meet the owner, and you have a gift for gabbing and are most importantly, sincere in your friendliness, you can get most anything you want.

[custom10nut]

This shop was referred to me by a good friend, and it was the owner I talked to. He even has a 71 short bed, so spent some time just jabberin.
As far as how it'll look?
The holes will be in the same location as the Chrome bumper that LMC has, and that's what got me to thinking about doing it myself

[100%Chevy]

I have used hole saws in my profession for most of my life,so here's my opinion.
To start,using a 4" hole saw on a slightly curved surface will be tough to control! Even with a drill press!
If you're inexperienced with them ,then it's gonna be harder.
Go very slow!Especially when you press down on it,because it will grab and jump sideways,and may even break the pilot bit.
At the worst,you may warp the holesaw itself.
Using a sabersaw may be better on this!And,the blades are much cheaper!
Mike.

[davepl]

I've got a feeling that after trying to drill two 4" holes in a non-uniform steel bumper that $90 per hole will be looking pretty good about 50% way through the second one :-0

No idea if that's the going rate, but shop equipment takes capital and capital is expensive. They gotta charge if they're going to stay in business, unless you look like the type of guy who will be otherwise bringing them a ton of profitable work.

As for how much, I have no educated guess... but attorneys charge 5X that, so is a good machinist worth 20% of a lawyer? On my truck it is!

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by firedemon

like those

Just wanted too comment on this.
mr demon, thats a sick front end. loving the style.

[custom10nut]

Man, all of this expert input is great! I do have access to use a large machinists drill press and will be able to secure it well while cutting. If all else fails, I can still fall back on using the jigsaw and die cutter to make them.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

This shop was referred to me by a good friend, and it was the owner I talked to. He even has a 71 short bed, so spent some time just jabberin.
As far as how it'll look?
The holes will be in the same location as the Chrome bumper that LMC has, and that's what got me to thinking about doing it myself

Owner sounds like a real hard (something we all sit on).

You are just not getting a deal with that guy, find another shop or do it yourself.

As for the "saw wandering" that is certainly a possibility. Now I know some hole saws come with a pilot bit in the center.......I assume you'll give yourself a healthy centerpunch for starters. I can't get to my drill press due to all the truck parts and junk in the way, I'd have to dry this by hand, with a drill, after blocking the bumper in position and very securely.

But I don't want holes in my bumper!

I do want fog lights though so after I get the grill guard figured out, I'm going to mount those to that. Would that be an option for you? Put on bumper guards, grill guard, or push bar and mount lights to that?