Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

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

Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal.

In response to a question about h. Now it s time to use that center punch. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. 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.

This will create dimples in the sheet. Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go and draw a line around it using a permanent marker. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole. 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.

At first locate the center of the whole. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. Https amzn to 2kstzae sheet metal hammer.

Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center. You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy. 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. Also known as dimple dies.

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. 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. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece.

Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. 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. Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment. Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal.

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.