I made a 12" backhoe bucket.

[4570Man]

Can you make clean "bolt" holes with a plasma cutter? (Instead of drilling holes)

On a CNC table yes. Freehand if you’re good yes. If by bolt holes you meant the pin holes on the backhoe than no. But if you can maintain a consistent feed rate a torch will also do a great job.

 

[Gofast]

I have a Hypertherm as well, Powermax 45 bought used several years ago and has been great. It has cut a lot of scabby old 5/8 plate which is a little bit much for it...much happier with 1/2 and smaller. If you haven't already, get a gouge tip. It works like a weld eraser.

Clean dry air is another big thing, which is on my list of things to improve.

Nice job on the buckets by the way.

Thanks. The tooth came in for my bucket. I get to dig with it soon.

Mine came with a gouge tip. It will be fun cutting out some welds. I wish I had this plasma cutter when I installer the skid steer quick attach plate on my bucket.
I made my first project but now I want to go to my scrap bucket and practice cutting and price holes and some work with the gouge tip. I just got some shade 5 safety cutting glasses that will help.

My next project is to make a steel brake. I have a 20 ton press. I want to make a steel brake for it. I have most of the materials for it. The bottom will be ¾ plate.

 

[Gofast]

My last bucket tooth came in. I was able to dig a few feet down to test it out. I had to shoot a skunk that was coming in my barn and was not scared of us.
It was a good time to dig a hole.
The X156L track hoe teeth work really well on my backhoe.
This bucket turned out looking the best out of the three I have made. This was by far the fastest one I made.
The plasma cutter is a keeper. I do need practice more with the plasma cutter. I would like to get more skilled with it.