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Cutting Holes in sheet steel
DorsetStrider - 14/7/05 at 12:27 PM

Can anybody tell me how I would go about cutting some large diameter holes in 3mm thick sheel steat? or ever sheet steal!

The holes need to be big enough to pass the steering rack etc throu.


David Jenkins - 14/7/05 at 12:31 PM

If you've only got the one hole to drill, then mark it out (cover the area with a black felt-tip and scratch on that), drill a circle of small holes - 1/8" or similar - then cut between them and file it to round.

It's not worth buying fancy kit for one hole - better to spend an extra 1/2 hour in effort.

rgds,
David


DorsetStrider - 14/7/05 at 12:42 PM

That's kinda what I thought I was gonna have to do.....was just wondering if there is an easier way (what can I say I'm lazy)


Snuggs - 14/7/05 at 12:53 PM

3mm seems very thick for the side panels or am I completely off track ?


Clive


stevebubs - 14/7/05 at 12:58 PM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
If you've only got the one hole to drill, then mark it out (cover the area with a black felt-tip and scratch on that), drill a circle of small holes - 1/8" or similar - then cut between them and file it to round.

It's not worth buying fancy kit for one hole - better to spend an extra 1/2 hour in effort.

rgds,
David


If you've got more than one hole to drill, or have plenty of money, a holesaw run at very low speed is what you want.


rusty nuts - 14/7/05 at 05:59 PM

Think you could be off track , steering columns rarely go through side panels. 3mm seems fine to me for a bulkhead panel , needs to be strong to support steering column


Snuggs - 14/7/05 at 08:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DorsetStrider

The holes need to be big enough to pass the steering rack etc throu.


britishtrident - 14/7/05 at 08:23 PM

Bi-metal hole saw will do it fine --- Orange ones branded "Performance Power" from B&Q sell will do it no bother just slow speed and lubricate with soap solution.

The Bosch ones are also pretty good.



[Edited on 14/7/05 by britishtrident]


James - 15/7/05 at 09:53 AM

quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident
Bi-metal hole saw will do it fine --- Orange ones branded "Performance Power" from B&Q sell will do it no bother just slow speed and lubricate with soap solution.

The Bosch ones are also pretty good.



[Edited on 14/7/05 by britishtrident]


Sorry to hijack.

BT,
Would you use them on the ali side panels too?

Cheers,
James


rusty nuts - 15/7/05 at 05:57 PM

Sorry Snuggs , misread post and confused it with the one for steering rack bearings which showed a column . 1 tinnie and I'm out of it and yes 3 mm seems a little OTT