Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

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Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal.

Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole.

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. Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver. This will create dimples in the sheet.

You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw. Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes. 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. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece.

Also known as dimple dies. 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. 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.

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. Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. In response to a question about h. Https amzn to 2kstzae sheet metal hammer.

Now it s time to use that center punch. Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center. 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. Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal.

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. A nibbler will do a nice job if you get one that can handle the thickness of your metal.