What would a machine shop charge to drill a 1.5 inch hole in a 2 1/2 inch steel ball?

[scotchleaf]

I'm thinking of making another mace. I've never hired a machine shop. Is this a job they would/could do? What would be a reasonable charge?

 

[coreboy]

around my area, shop rate is probly $150/hr.

 

[Square_peg]

Assuming it's mild steel I wouldn't expect to pay more than about $50.

 

[swonut]

Probably cheaper to just make one on a lathe out of round stock after you bored the inner hole. Chucking up a ball to drill or mill into would be a bear without dinging the exterior up. Just my thoughts.

Also might look at the guts from a ball valve, may be able to fill in the stem hole and be about perfect.

 

[Bo T]

Have you considered brass instead of steel? The weights would be similar and brass would probably be easier to machine or you might find a broken ball valve as notede above.

 

[jwaj]

Maybe you could pm/email Steve (Coal Creek Forge) for some info. Here's a thread he posted about a mace he made:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/982194-Ball-Mace-War-Club-Hey-Uath-L-K