Ownership changes include R&B Falcon''s cnc purchase of 16 Cliffs Drilling rigs. And Parker Drilling got into offshore drilling by acquiring Hercules Offshore''s seven jackups. The pending Nabor-Pool merger was not yet finalized.R&B Falcon''s acquisition makes it the No. 1 jackup owner, with mini drill press 42, press pushing ensco to second, with 37. noble drilling lists 32 jackups, cnc followed by global marine and santa fe drilling with 23 each. the top 10 owners, all u.s. companies except sedco forex, account for 233 (64%) of the world''s fleet. as listed last year, there are 59 owners, including both competitive contractors and state-owned companies.

if you''re moving the auger more than a few feet to the next hole, shut off the engine and restart it again with the auger resting in the drill press next pilot hole. when you''re not using press the auger, just shut it off and leave it in one of the holes, cnc or rest it on the ground with the spark plug facing up to prevent fouling, or sideways if fuel leaks from the gas cap.for deeper holes hand drill press and press requiring the extension rod (photos 5 and 6), dig all the holes first with the unextended auger. never start holes with the extension rod in place. it''s much harder to hoist a 4-ft. long auger filled with earth. cnc after the holes are dug to 36 in., attach the extension rod and dig the remaining depths drill all press at once. at times, i''ve found it easier to simply dig the remaining few inches by hand rather than use the extension rod, especially if fatigue is setting in. above all, clear the hole frequently. it can be a gut-busting experience to lift an auger overfilled with earth free of the hole, or worse, free a stuck auger.

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