Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

Also known as dimple dies.

Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal. Https amzn to 2kstzae sheet metal hammer. 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. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. 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.

Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go and draw a line around it using a permanent marker. Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole.

Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. 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. It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center.

Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece. In response to a question about h. This will create dimples in the sheet.

You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy. 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. Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver. At first locate the center of the whole.

Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment. Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes. Now it s time to use that center punch. It s meant for creating lightening holes of the type seen when building aircraft or maybe just toolboxes and furniture that are built like wwii fighter planes.

Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal. Drill pilot holes slightly larger than the size of the stud.