FYI Affordable Punches, Maybe

[rp]

http://www.radiodaze.com/category/83.aspx

I haven't bought any yet, but I need the 30mm for the Beltons. Radio Daze is a very fine outfit, I doubt they'd be selling crap but those Greenlees have to cost $60 for reason. If anyone hazards to purchase one of these or already has please report back soon.

BTW I gambled on cheap 30mm punch on eBay, out of the UK - 'Q-Max Sheet Metal Punch'. Seller was cool and punch was UK made, but it is a POS - I was sucker punched and British steel ain't what it used to be. I all but killed myself trying to punch a normal alu chassis. Really killed myself! My Bruised hands, bruised chest where I tried to wedge the chassis against myself - sweat, curse, rest, try an other turn... My Greenlees went through it like butter. So I'm leery now of cheap punches.

Maybe I will phone Radio Daze and see what they say. Quality $20 punches would be a Godsend.

[jestaudio]

I,ve never used punches to knock holes in a chassis, i usually use some high quality step cutters which give a nice clean cut out, saves all the elbow grease as well

[M Fowler]

I use both punches and step drill. Those listed above should work quite well.

The 30mm for Belton octal and the 18mm for Belton noval. Ceramic and some others take larger holes.

Mark

[David Root]

That ad says "good for up to .078" aluminum". That ain't very thick.

[M Fowler]

I think the one I have is rated about the same and use it on Ken Watts chassis and Ddawg chassis which are much thicker.

Mark

[rp]

I think the one I have is rated about the same and use it on Ken Watts chassis and Ddawg chassis which are much thicker. Mark

Are yours Greenlee? I think it's all about how much time the manufacturer puts into the cutting edge, Greenlee obviously a lot and it's reflected in the cost, the UK one I got has no cutting edge apparently, looking at the effort it demanded I think it punched by brute force. I'm kind of stuck now as if I get the Radio daze one and it's no better I'm in for $45 for two bad punches, $20 more I could have bought the Greenlee.

Every single time I've cheaped out on tools I've instantly regretted it, but money's tight. I'm hoping to encourage someone else to try the Radio Daze ones and report back.

Here's the UK one, I scanned the package in case it was actually good and I wanted to find others

And here's the Greenlee I should just shut up and buy. If anyone knows of a site with better prices on the Greenlees please report.

[brewdude]

I apologize for highjacking this thread with a related but somewhat off topic question.

Does any body know of an affordable chassis punch for doing the IEC power sockets?

[Gaz]

You can find Greenlees on Ebay for cheaper - don't pull the trigger on the All-spec one just yet.

[martin manning]

I've used step drills for smaller holes, and the quality ones work very well in a drill press. I have a large one that I picked up for $20, but I havent used it yet. Even if you bought a $65 Irwin 10235 Unibit (3/8" to 1-3/8") to do the large holes for noval and octal sockets that would be the price of just one Greenlee punch. The Ti-nitrated Irwins are double that price, but that's only two Greenlees...

[rp]

I have step bits but nothing for octals and caps, I haven't seen a 1 1/4" step yet. I'm sure it'd be easy enough on alu, but hand held I worry I might chew up a chassis. I would want to do some test holes first but don't have any scrap chassis to try on. Plus punches are better for apartment kitchen building, no need to vacuum, no metal shavings to miss and step on barefoot, and I can use them at 2am. NYC living, but soon addio big city. I'm trying to buy up some things now that would be stupid expensive to ship overseas.

Oh yeah, BTW, there are no cheap IEC punches, I checked all over, drill and Klein nibbler is the only cheap answer.

Maybe an IEC punch might show up on eBay with much patience.

[martin manning]

I wouldn't do a big hole with a step drill hand-held either. Electricians do it all the time- with a 1/2" drill, and neatness doesn't count so much for them. I don't find IEC inlets too difficult. Four 1/4" holes for the corners and a little work with a saw and a file.

[M Fowler]

One is a greenlee and the other is not can't remember and I would have to get off my arse to go look.

I haven't found an IEC knockout yet but one day I may invest in one.

Mark

[tubeswell]

I have nearly a dozen punches and most of them are Greenlee. Some of them I bought new, and others 2nd-hand. They punch through 1.5mm steel easily

If you see Greenlee punches in the 'odd' sizes (11/16", 1&1/16" etc), nab them. Some ceramic octal sockets need a 1&1/16" punch, and you need 11/16" for fender bayonet lamp-holder mounts

[rogb]

One is a greenlee and the other is not can't remember and I would have to get off my arse to go look.

I haven't found an IEC knockout yet but one day I may invest in one.

Mark

There are definitely IEC punches but they are expensive. I found one on the web sometime back.

Like Martin, 4 holes and a bit of Dremelling and filing

[passfan]

Greenlee makes square punches. I have one at 3/4" which is perfect for one side. I just have to hit it 3 times to make the hole rectangular.