Does anyone know who can cut some square holes in small gauge metal? I have round punches but nothing to make the smaller squares I need. Wanting a nice clean look to my project box.
Dremel
Anybody have a dremel to spare?
I've never had much luck with cutting metal with a dremel. I've only done it a couple of times and the dremel doesn't sound the same since. I won't use my dremel for anything thicker than biscuit tins any more.
but if you take your time and don't expect too much from it you should be fine. Keep it on high speed and don't put much pressure on the cutting disc (which you will replace multiple times even on a small job)
Where are you?
I assume you want small holes for square rocker switches/pids/displays etc
You need to find a small engineering company who know what a "Fly Press" is.
A fly press will punch out various sized rectangular/square holes.
At the other end find a laser cutting company to laser cut the front pannel. Believe it or not laser cutting is not that expensive (ok not cheap//free either but what is)
Oh and before anyone else asks its one tool I don't have!
Quote from: Lurchalicious on February 11, 2016, 06:14:35 PM
Does anyone know who can cut some square holes in small gauge metal? I have round punches but nothing to make the smaller squares I need. Wanting a nice clean look to my project box.
How small are the holes? Could they be done with either a hacksaw blade by hand or else with an electric jigsaw? Dremel is really only for very light stuff imho.
Shanna
20x27mm and the other is a 20x20mm square
I have a small hacksaw blade but getting it into the hole is the problem.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/bc5ba7a49b4b674521edb4e269544433.jpg)
It's current state...
And since I'm taking pictures.. I made a semi portable electric kettle (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/55d915e66e517d15ea49f8825a20aca3.jpg)
Quote from: Will_D on February 11, 2016, 09:32:14 PM
Where are you?
I assume you want small holes for square rocker switches/pids/displays etc
You need to find a small engineering company who know what a "Fly Press" is.
A fly press will punch out various sized rectangular/square holes.
At the other end find a laser cutting company to laser cut the front pannel. Believe it or not laser cutting is not that expensive (ok not cheap//free either but what is)
I'm in booterstown area, know any laser table shops?
I have a electric jigsaw and a few drills. You could drill a few pilot holes with a drill to start you off and then you a hand hacksaw to cut the remainder of the holes.
Shanna
Deburr with a file.
I did all my square holes with a drill and jigsaw. Measure 3 times!
Quote from: Shanna on February 11, 2016, 11:46:18 PM
I have a electric jigsaw and a few drills. You could drill a few pilot holes with a drill to start you off and then you a hand hacksaw to cut the remainder of the holes.
Shanna
Jigsaw sounds like a plan to me. My hand hacksaw has been shit.
I found Dremel the best for cutting holes. Used one cutting holes for pids. Its noisy and throes out a lot of mucky smuts but you can get some nice clean cuts if you take your time. Measure 3 times before you cut and remember you can always make a hole bitter,its a lot harder to make it smaller.
Quote from: Lurchalicious on February 12, 2016, 03:43:36 PM
Quote from: Shanna on February 11, 2016, 11:46:18 PM
I have a electric jigsaw and a few drills. You could drill a few pilot holes with a drill to start you off and then you a hand hacksaw to cut the remainder of the holes.
Shanna
Jigsaw sounds like a plan to me. My hand hacksaw has been shit.
If you need a hand with it give me a shout next week and we can organise something. I have some hand files also if you need to debur any cuts. I have a cheapo dremel knock of but I used it for cutting copper before and its a pain to use so I would recommend using either a small handheld hacksaw or else the jigsaw.
Shanna
A shotgun and good bastard file.
Quote from: Lurchalicious on February 11, 2016, 06:14:35 PM
Does anyone know who can cut some square holes in small gauge metal? I have round punches but nothing to make the smaller squares I need. Wanting a nice clean look to my project box.
Did you get sorted with this? If not i might be able to help depending on the size of the material. I can machine some holes (I can get occasional use of a milling machine)
Quote from: Bryan140 on February 19, 2016, 09:46:13 AM
Quote from: Lurchalicious on February 11, 2016, 06:14:35 PM
Does anyone know who can cut some square holes in small gauge metal? I have round punches but nothing to make the smaller squares I need. Wanting a nice clean look to my project box.
Did you get sorted with this? If not i might be able to help depending on the size of the material. I can machine some holes (I can get occasional use of a milling machine)
That would be great! I was planning on trying a jigsaw with shanna but a machined hole would be ideal. Ill measure the thickness but I believe its 1mm Aluminum on these face plates.
The piece itself is like a small note book and flat. easily carried in hand. Ill get proper measurements (in mm) when I get home tonight. I know how you lads get with imperial units ;D
The thickness won't be a problem I just wanted to know the size of the box and if the part to be machined can be separated (for clamping to the machine). You are correct about measurements - not a fan of imperial!
Quote from: Bryan140 on February 20, 2016, 03:12:10 PM
The thickness won't be a problem I just wanted to know the size of the box and if the part to be machined can be separated (for clamping to the machine). You are correct about measurements - not a fan of imperial!
The plate is removable so it is flat. Plate measures approximately 140mm x 190mm. I need two holes. 19x27mm rectangular and a 24mm square
This rectangular plate comes out fully.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160223/76eda5928c70f20f9f55988d0053f548.jpg)
Dremel will fly through that.
When and where is suitable to meet so i can get the plate? I am in Cabinteely and work from 8:30 - 5
Quote from: Bryan140 on February 24, 2016, 08:38:12 PM
When and where is suitable to meet so i can get the plate? I am in Cabinteely and work from 8:30 - 5
coming by the meet tonight at dark horse? Ill buy you a pint!
otherwise My work schedule is the same. Since you're offering to do this I would have no problem running it down to your place. But I can also meet in cabinteely park or the like. Send me a PM with your address should you want me to swing it by - I can just throw it in your letterbox if need be.