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.

You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece. Also known as dimple dies. Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal.

Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go and draw a line around it using a permanent marker. 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. In response to a question about h. Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes.

A nibbler will do a nice job if you get one that can handle the thickness of your metal. This will create dimples in the sheet. 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. You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw.

Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. Drill pilot holes slightly larger than the size of the stud. It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. At first locate the center of the whole.

Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors.

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. Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment. 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.

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 2kstzae sheet metal hammer.