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Old 01-10-2013, 08:31 PM
350X 350X is offline
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Default I want to punch 1/8" holes in 1/8" weld steel plate

I want to punch 1/8" holes in 1/8" weld steel plate many many times over but do it on a budget.

Few of the parts I make and sell [saddle bag/engine guards], I have to drill a 1/8" starter hole and then enlarge as needed with a step bit. Just the easiest way ive found.

Never found a drill press to be useful, just slower, but my shoulder would like it if I could skip a step in my hand drilling process.

Even if I had to use some type of mechincal force to help punch the holes

Any ideas???
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:34 PM
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Richard K Richard K is offline
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you need an ironworker
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:48 PM
Ken Hosford Ken Hosford is offline
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How far from edge if less than 2? a Whitney hand punch the 1 with 16? handles . if farther in I agree with Richard K . How big are you opening them to , the Whitney is good to 1/2 "dia.
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:53 PM
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Rob Martel Rob Martel is offline
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Default Kick Press

Another option is a foot operated Kick Press.
They are a good strength builder for your leg and rather quiet.
My press came with dies up to 3/4" and I also use it for light forming and dimpling of odd ball shapes with both hands free for work holding.
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Last edited by Rob Martel; 01-10-2013 at 11:37 PM.
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:58 PM
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Joe Hartson Joe Hartson is offline
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Matt, this is a sheet metal site, we usually don't work metal over 16 gauge. You are dealing with material a lot thicker.

Punching holes in thicker material, 1/8" might be something to look at. With punching you don't want to punch a hole smaller than the material thickness. You are at the ragged edge with the 1/8" hole in 1/8" material. You will need a sharp punch and the material held firmly in place to punch the holes.
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Old 01-10-2013, 11:05 PM
barry larson barry larson is offline
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Do you make enough of these parts to go out and get them lazer cutl.........if the steel is pickled hot rolled you might get set up to punch with a whitney punch on a stand,, will need a striper die and oil...... center punch to find the hole... drilling then inlarge with a step drill ! figure out what size hole you need..bigure is better....3/16 copper rivits look good,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Barry
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Old 01-11-2013, 03:18 PM
Sinister Sleds Sinister Sleds is offline
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350x,

Watch Craigs list and talk to the local scrap steel guy. I picked up a 4 ton and 20 ton punch press for less than 250$.

The 4 ton press will punch 3/16 with out even a flinch.

Jay
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