Octal tube sockets

[beasleybodyshop]

Looking for some octal sockets for my next build. Problem is, the biggest drill bit I have is a 1 inch. Does anyone make a decent socket that fits a 1 inch hole? Ive looked and the smallest I can find is 1 - 1/4 inch mounting hole.

[Blackburn]

It's doubtful. The smallest size you should find is 1 3/16". You could do what I do...

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-ti ... 96275.html

That's the exact pair I have. They work like a charm!

[Leo_Gnardo]

Put chassis punches on your shopping list. Geez beez this hobby's gettin' expensive. Keep 'em clean, lube the thread & cutting surfaces* when in use & punch gently & they'll last you decades. Greenlee is a good brand name.

*I use leftover motor oil. Whatever couple drops left in the bottle after an oil change, that goes into a little plastic bottle with a tube applicator, sold as a "glue" bottle at the hobby shop. Some people say bacon grease is the best though. I find it attracts mice. Bears too... You could get fancy & schmear the threads with anti-seize paste.

Even with chassis punches I still find I sometimes have to grind a little extra with a dremel to get a good fit. Also for those Marshall-style round impedance selector switches.

- - - - - - -

Those step drills look mighty attractive too. And at that price, you get two for less than what you'd pay for one small Greenlee punch. I've used a couple I got from Home Despot over the last 10 years or so, for smaller size holes. Low speed and plenty lube are key. I haven't cut anything above 3/4" diameter though. If you have a drill press I'd say give 'em a go. Make some test cuts on scrap to get the feel for them before committing to your chassis. A can of bacon grease & your fave bear gun at the ready....

[beasleybodyshop]

Put chassis punches on your shopping list. Geez beez this hobby's gettin' expensive. Keep 'em clean, lube the thread & cutting surfaces* when in use & punch gently & they'll last you decades. Greenlee is a good brand name.

Tell me about it! If anyone asks I will blame you haha! Holes are already drilled unfortunately. TIG'ed up the chassis from some 14ga scrap i had laying around.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Now that's a heavy-duty chassis! So much for chassis punches, they'd have the devil of a time gettin' thru 14 gauge.

Just keep the output away from the input and you're good to go!

[Smokebreak]

It's doubtful. The smallest size you should find is 1 3/16". You could do what I do...

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-ti ... 96275.html

That's the exact pair I have. They work like a charm!

Me too and they're always on sale! Punches are nice but by the time you drill a 3/8" hole....

[beasleybodyshop]

Just keep the output away from the input and you're good to go!

Yeah im nipping that one in the bud. Not dealing with that again.

Found some sockets. Bakelite octal sockets off off turretboards.com. says they fit one inch holes. Score!

[stephenl]

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

I bought a few of these punches from Radio Daze a few years ago. They are more affordable than Greenlee and decent quality.

- steve

[cbass]

Wood spade bits will drill through aluminum

[beasleybodyshop]

Wood spade bits will drill through aluminum

I didn't even think of that! Good idea.