Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center.

Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal.

You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece. A machine called a nibbler uses a small straight punch to create the same geometric removal of sheet metal as that of a larger more complicated punch. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole.

Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal.

Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. Now it s time to use that center punch. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. In response to a question about h.

Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment. Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go and draw a line around it using a permanent marker. Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver. Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes.

A nibbler will do a nice job if you get one that can handle the thickness of your metal. My idea is to get a standard 1 3 square punch and then punch two holes side by side to get my desired 1 3 x 2 3 rectangle but that could produce a crooked rectangle if the squares are not lined up. I don t mind a quick file to smooth sharp edges but to cut the whole hole with a file is too time consuming and labor intensive and not accurate. I guess i ve got holes on the brain lately as i am finishing up the hole wizard for the g wizard conversational cnc product.

Also known as dimple dies. Sheet metal hole flaring dies create flares around already cut holes in sheet metal up to 3 16 thick to make the edges stronger and more rigid. You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw. At first locate the center of the whole.

Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. This will create dimples in the sheet.