Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

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.

Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal.

Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes. Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet 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. 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.

Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole. Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver. Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut.

It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. 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. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips.

At first locate the center of the whole. 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. In response to a question about h. 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.

Now it s time to use that center punch. You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy. You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole.

This will create dimples in the sheet. Also known as dimple dies. Drill pilot holes slightly larger than the size of the stud. Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole.

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.