How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
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- charles_steiner
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2013 12:18 pm
How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
https://www.adafruit.com/products/827
I'm attaching this to sheet metal.
Is there a trick or a tool to cut a hole with a flattened side? Is it even necessary?
THANKS!
- adafruit_support_mike
- Posts: 67454
- Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:51 pm
Re: How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
There are punches that will cut the right shape, but for one-off applications it's easiest to do it by hand.
Draw the shape on the metal, drill a few holes inside it about 1/16" inside the line, then use a rat-tail file to remove material to the line.
Draw the shape on the metal, drill a few holes inside it about 1/16" inside the line, then use a rat-tail file to remove material to the line.
- bluefirepony
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 10:34 pm
Re: How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
I've used those IP glands on many projects - aluminum, sheet metal and plastic.
If you are new to drilling sheet metal just use a good titanium bit, slow RPM (or the bit will just spin on the sheet metal and heat up), use a good 3-1 lubricating oil.
Start with a smallish bit to drill a pilot at the center and then on the next pass a bit 1/2 the diameter. If that goes well then the next pass use a bit that matches your target size. If you struggle with prior passes, reduce the jump in size and just be patient. You can do it with a single pass once you get the hang of it....drilling sheet metal is a challenge to patience...just when you think you can speed up, the bit bounces and snags and you are onto another bit .
Mike's suggestion of filing is a good practice.
.
If you are new to drilling sheet metal just use a good titanium bit, slow RPM (or the bit will just spin on the sheet metal and heat up), use a good 3-1 lubricating oil.
Start with a smallish bit to drill a pilot at the center and then on the next pass a bit 1/2 the diameter. If that goes well then the next pass use a bit that matches your target size. If you struggle with prior passes, reduce the jump in size and just be patient. You can do it with a single pass once you get the hang of it....drilling sheet metal is a challenge to patience...just when you think you can speed up, the bit bounces and snags and you are onto another bit .
Mike's suggestion of filing is a good practice.
.
- charles_steiner
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2013 12:18 pm
Re: How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
Thanks for the quick response, guys!
That's good food for thought
I did buy a step drill bit a few weeks ago that's itching to be used but for this, to get the flat side, I can imagine outlining and drilling the small holes then file the flat portion. It's an ammo box; the metal is not super thin but it's not hard. TBD
That's good food for thought
I did buy a step drill bit a few weeks ago that's itching to be used but for this, to get the flat side, I can imagine outlining and drilling the small holes then file the flat portion. It's an ammo box; the metal is not super thin but it's not hard. TBD
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88099
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
Step-drills are definitely the way to go for round holes in sheet metal. For flat-sided holes without the appropriate punch, Mike's technique - possibly aided by a nibbler tool - is the most practical approach.
- charles_steiner
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2013 12:18 pm
Re: How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
Ok. So the flat side isn't necessary. Makes sense, the seal covers it.
I'm sure I'll some silicone on it, anyways
I'm sure I'll some silicone on it, anyways
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88099
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: How would I cut a hole for this - round w/ flat side
The flat does make it easier to install without a second wrench. But you are correct. The seal will cover it.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.