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15th February 2012, 08:30 PM #1Senior Member
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Cutting Irregular holes in 2mm Checker-plate
I need to cut 10 holes in 2mm steel checker-plate.
The shape is like an elngated letter "D" about 75-80mm square.
I figure I can cut the curved bit with a hole saw but the straight sections are too small for an angle grinder (my favourite weapon) and I'm not sure how a jig saw would handle the steel.
I know I could sit there for hours drilling a series of holes then joing them up and filing but I'm no masochist!
Perhaps I should just buy a plasma cutter?
Any suggestions.
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15th February 2012 08:30 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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15th February 2012, 08:42 PM #2SENIOR MEMBER
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- Jun 2010
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- Canberra
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You could blast the area out with a stick welder on high amps then clean up the edge?
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16th February 2012, 02:04 AM #3Senior Member
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- Country West Oz
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Jig saw should handle that, just make sure you have good quality blades
Regards
Bradford
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16th February 2012, 05:04 PM #4
Plasma!
You know you want to!!Too many projects, so little time, even less money!Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.
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16th February 2012, 05:08 PM #5Senior Member
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- Jul 2008
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- Sydney
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I do but my wife doesn't and I guess that means I don't!
Plus I would need a bigger compressor if I went plasma.
I think the hole saw and a jig saw to finish off is the best solution.
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16th February 2012, 11:48 PM #6
I second the jigsaw, just get metal cutting blades and slow the blade speed a little if you have variable speed.
Check my facebook:rhbtimber
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18th February 2012, 11:08 PM #7GOLD MEMBER
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- Lebrina
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I would go with the jig saw too, however, don't discount a grinder with 1mm thick cutting discs. Used wisely they would achieve your goal, (assuming that it's not a 9' grinder we are talking about). In fact you may well find that a jig saw will handle your task without the use of a holesaw.
Use a fine tooth metal blade and possibly some type of cutting lubricant and keep the blade speed down while firmly supporting the work so it desn't chatter too much.
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21st February 2012, 08:40 PM #8SENIOR MEMBER
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- Jan 2004
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- Bellingen
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- 587
I use a lot of the 1mm thick cut off disks in my small grinder and I always keep the small wheels that are worn away for situations like this. The small wheel fits in a much smaller area! Flexcut ( I think it's flex cut) are the best but makita are flooding the market with them too. They are just a bit thicker at 1.2mm. have not tried them yet but I bought some last week to give them a go.
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21st February 2012, 09:22 PM #9Senior Member
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- Jul 2008
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- Sydney
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Good idea using the small "left over" discs.
I have a heap of them as I use around 10 a week.
Hopefully I'll get it all sorted and start cutting later this week.
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11th March 2013, 06:20 PM #10Intermediate Member
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- Sep 2007
- Location
- Adelaide
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- 32
Hi zuffen, you may have already found a solution to your problem. If not maybe have a look at a hydraulic hole punch similar to the one in the link below.
15 TON HYDRAULIC METAL HOLE PUNCH KIT WITH ROUND AND SQUARE DIES 22.5-76mm | eBay
A few guys on one of the local hot rod forums I frequent have a lot of success with these in their fabrication work. You can buy the kits with round dies only for under $100 but I think at least one square die would come in very handy. Or if you know anyone with a lathe they may be able to turn up a die specific for your needs.
Cheers
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12th March 2013, 03:55 PM #11Senior Member
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- Jul 2008
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- Sydney
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- 244
I ended up not cutting the holes.
I figured out how to tie the car down without the tie downs in the floor.
The car should register in the next 10 days so I can now sell the trailer as I don't need a tandem trailer for the stuff I usually drag around.
Are you on Ozrodders?
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13th March 2013, 05:59 PM #12Intermediate Member
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- Sep 2007
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- Adelaide
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15th March 2013, 06:16 PM #13Senior Member
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- Sydney
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Wednesday is rego day.
Once registered I'll post a photo here (if the site allows me as it times out when I post) so otheres know what we're on about.
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