Formwork Documentation: The Holes (Part 1)

Pilots are required for the bolts. Based on previous investigation, one-inch centering of the holes would be pushing the (pseudo-laminated) MDF boards to a point of breaking. And holes are offset from the very edge to prevent tearing. Finally, six holes per grove are set to be drilled at 1-1/8 inch O.C.

For standardization and alignment of the holes, a base (or jig) is built to both support the plates and ensure a clean hole (by prevent the underside of the plate from "breaking" as the drill bit is pushing through).


Three bars are raised from the jig to set for the plates' groves to improve alignment.


A fence in the back is set to align the press plate when it is moved from grove to grove.


Notice the jig has been slightly built up (by 1/4") to accomodate the new position of the clamps. After drilling the center two rows, the jig had to be re-aligned for the next two rows from the center, and the original position for the clamps can no longer accomodate the elongated reach. Hence, clamps have been moved to the sides of the jig.


First four center rows are drilled. End rows along the edges are yet to come.


Tripod legs are used to support the ends of the plates to prevent over-cantilevering.