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Senior Member
Hole punch
In the process of building a new under dash console and need a way to punch holes with the flat on one side, what would be the best tool , that wont break the bank, to use for this?
Its .04 aluminum.
Thanks
Walt
FFR8237 Donor build 89 GT , MK 4 , T5 , 17 " hallibrands 9" front 10.5 rear ,4×4 headers stainless mufflers, dual chrome roll bars, coil overs all 4,A/C and heater , soft top, 3:55 gears.
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Senior Member
There are hand held punches for sheet metal for smaller holes. You can get them from Amazon. I haven't used one.
For larger holes, Greenlee makes manual ones that you use a wrench on. There are probably cheap versions if you don't intend to make a living with it. Search for Greenlee punch and the cheap ones will come up also.
Of course, drills and hole saws are the cheap and dirty way.
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Senior Member
I am a punch & drill person. Punch a dimple & drill the hole. Are you going to cover the Console?
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Senior Member
Yes, will cover with vinyl, i normally just drill but for my switchs i need the flat on one side so they dont turn.
Walt
FFR8237 Donor build 89 GT , MK 4 , T5 , 17 " hallibrands 9" front 10.5 rear ,4×4 headers stainless mufflers, dual chrome roll bars, coil overs all 4,A/C and heater , soft top, 3:55 gears.
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I’d probably use a combo of smaller drill bit, jig saw and dremel.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Murd
I’d probably use a combo of smaller drill bit, jig saw and dremel.
^^ What he said
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Two cherished tools passed down from my steamfitter father. Very handy on the build. Already told me son if he does not hang on to them once I pass them down both my father and I will come back from the grave.
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You're spending how many thousand dollars on this build?
Do it right and get the right punch. Especially
because you want all the holes aligned well.
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Senior Member
In .040 aluminum, holes with flats for switches take about 5 minutes with an undersize drilled hole and a couple of small files including a half-round. Needle files if the holes are small. I like tools as much as the next guy (and have a basement and garage to prove it) but thin 6061 aluminum is super easy and fast to work with IMHO.
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Senior Member
Greenlee makes a set of punches for electrical conduit knockouts . . . might be a bit large for switches though.
Check the electronic suppliers for "chassis punches" for project boxes, they usually come in switch mount sizes and configurations.
Doc
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Senior Member
Ok, thanks for the help guys!
Walt
FFR8237 Donor build 89 GT , MK 4 , T5 , 17 " hallibrands 9" front 10.5 rear ,4×4 headers stainless mufflers, dual chrome roll bars, coil overs all 4,A/C and heater , soft top, 3:55 gears.
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