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Cutting an air filter backplate
RazMan - 20/12/10 at 06:02 PM

I need to cut 12 x 35mm holes in the aluminium backplates for my air filters. As they need to be done very accurately, what are my options? I can print a template and stick it to the ally to give an accurate guide, but I can't think of anything better than chain drilling and finishing off with a file ....... 12 times!

What would you use?

cliftyhanger - 20/12/10 at 06:04 PM

Q.Max Sheet Metal Punch Hole Punch - 35.0 mm on eBay (end time 04-Jan-11 19:59:43 GMT)

Davey D - 20/12/10 at 06:06 PM

with mine i used a top quality hole saw that was slightly smaller than what i needed, then used a half round file to perfect the shape.

If you have local engineering workshop with a laser cutting bed, then they would be able to cut exactly what you want first time without any need for fettling

907 - 20/12/10 at 07:49 PM

If it was me I would use a trepanning tool.

Careful if you "Google image" that as you will get pics of holes in peoples heads.



Paul G

dilley - 20/12/10 at 08:46 PM

I have used decent hole saws, another idea is a wood bit! try it!

Confused but excited. - 20/12/10 at 09:01 PM

As clifty said; a Q Max cutter will give a perfect hole, time and time again. Not worth spoiling the job to save a few quid.

RazMan - 21/12/10 at 12:20 AM

The trepanning tool looks a bit too scary for me but thanks for the tip Paul

It looks like the punch is going to be the best way as long as I am careful with the measuring part. Ah well, it's only ally

907 - 21/12/10 at 07:56 AM

What you should have said Raz is:-

"I need a trepanning tool like I need a hole in the head."


Scan your eyes over the pic below and see if there's anything you'd like to borrow.

Cheers,
Paul G

hole cutting tool
hole cutting tool

NS Dev - 21/12/10 at 09:42 AM

On that subject.......is there any reason why I can't use Q-max punches in a flypress (obviously without the bolt! ) as long as I make a decent holder?

RazMan - 21/12/10 at 10:05 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 907
What you should have said Raz is:-

"I need a trepanning tool like I need a hole in the head."


Scan your eyes over the pic below and see if there's anything you'd like to borrow.

Cheers,
Paul G

hole cutting tool
hole cutting tool


Thanks for the offer Paul, but I decided to add to my slowly increasing toolkit and ordered a punch for a tenner - plus getting to your place in this weather would cost more than that in food for the Huskies

907 - 21/12/10 at 10:20 AM

quote:


Thanks for the offer Paul, but I decided to add to my slowly increasing toolkit and ordered a punch for a tenner - plus getting to your place in this weather would cost more than that in food for the Huskies




Surely you have to feed them anyway, or do they have to starve if you don't use them?




Cheers
Paul G



Nev.

Can't see a reason why not, other than a stop so that the two points on the male part don't bottom out and damage.
Also the centre has to be poked out of the female part of the die.

Cheers
Paul G