Importance of Set-up

Importance of Set-up

It often seems that contractors do not impress on new drillers the importance of properly setting up their equipment. It actually is critical. The author believes that it is best to dig and curb a 6' to 8' pit about 4' to 5' square as a place to start a drilling job. The pit accommodates the handling of pipe and later facilitates installation of a pitless adapter (a point in well construction which will be discussed in a later chapter). This pit can be dispensed with if a limited amount of pipe driving will be required, but is helpful otherwise.

A properly built platform, at least 8' square, will give an adequate and safe working area. Planking should be 3" × 8" sound lumber about 8' long; the height should be such that the drill rig levers are most handy for the operator. Use of this platform can prevent serious accidents and will speed up drilling time. In northern winters, a gas or oil salamander and a wind break will keep the platform comfortable, and it should be kept free of ice at all times.

Now is a good time to return to the cable, or wire rope for a moment. Keep it lubricated, and keep it clean. Prevent dog legs or close bends. Spool it on from the bottom of the spool, and do not drill with the drum full of cable.

Attaching the rope socket to the line is an art in itself, so we'll just mention a few points here. The frequency with which it must be done depends upon the weight of the drilling tools. In larger diameter drilling (12" and over) a socket change is required every 40 to 50 hours. For 4" to 10" holes you might go 80 to 120 hours.