Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy.

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. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece.

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. Https amzn to 2kstzae sheet metal hammer. 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.

Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center. 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. Drill pilot holes slightly larger than the size of the stud. At first locate the center of the whole.

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. You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw. Also known as dimple dies. Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver.

Position the pattern on the sheet metal where the hole needs to go and draw a line around it using a permanent marker. This will create dimples in the sheet. Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. 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.

Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal. In response to a question about h. 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. Now it s time to use that center punch.

Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment.