Can Ohia Timbers be Used for Construction?

[all bent]

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Originally posted by gtill

There is an engineered process, active in Puna that bores out 3" holes down the center of the ohia (or whatever) post,and filled with a thick walled steel pipe which equate steel in strength, and pass any code requirment.

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My company has been contracted to install signs and sign posts for the State and the plans call for drilling a 3" hole, 2 feet deep into ohia logs. Any info on this company that does the boring, or any input from anyone that can help speed up the boring process? We have been using 3" forstner bits on drill presses as well as a 1/2" hole hawg with very little progress to show for our time. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks