DeathRex wrote:Stepper bits in hardware stores are close to $40 each. I got some from ebay for about $8 each and have been happy with them. But for making a clean finished hole for a tube socket, I really like the chassis punches. Much cleaner holes than even a Bullet drill bit. Harbor freight has a set for $28, but you have to get tube sockets to match the hole sizes. It says it has a 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/4 but it's actually a 7/8", 1 1/16, 1 3/16 and a larger size. The 7/8" and 1 1/16" are perfect for 9 pin and 8 pin sockets. I got several sockets from ESRC tubes before I got the punches. AES has Chinese 9 pin ceramic sockets 7/8" for $1.05 part# P-ST9-511.
20to20 wrote:
Will a punch cut a hole so cleanly that dressing the hole in not necessary? I'd assume any hole will need some dressing up, drilled or punched. A vairable speed drill, with cutting lube, should make a flat hole and need minimal dressing.
I've already got my 9 pinners from AES and a bunch of nice vintage sockets from other chassis that take a 3/4" hole. My octals are vintage 1-1/8".
The decision is whether to spend $40-$50 each for a G'lee punch that makes the exact hole size needed, and also require a draw stud hole, buy steppers that may wallow and burr the hole, or buy a single bit to do the one shot hole.
Having built over 40 amps on steel or aluminum chassis, let me
offer some advice.
Remember - don't drill ANY holes until you have all of the parts.
I now use the drill bits with hex ends because they don't slip in the drill chuck.
Don't need to clean a punched hole. Radiodaze has these punches starting at $19.25 for a 3/4". http://www.radiodaze.com/catalog-306-page64.pdf
Stepped drill bits do make fine holes, much better than standard drill bits, and with a drill press, it should work just fine.
Harbor freight has a set for $28, but you have to get tube sockets to match the hole sizes. It says it has a 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/4 but it's actually a 7/8", 1 1/16, 1 3/16 and a larger size.
I bought a set of Greenlees "knockout " punches at the local sunday flea market back in NH, a few years ago, for $10, and they are of very good quality,
jonnyeye wrote:guess what I found: Greenlee radio chassis punches... for the bank-breaking total of $25.
elbinster wrote:If you do use any drill bits with a drill press, I'd recommend staying back from it so when the bit grabs the plate and gets it spinning, you're chances of being eviscerated are reduced.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 45 guests