On 2008-12-06, wrote:
For low volume work, what would you suggest?

How far from the edge?

If it is not too far from the edge, try the Roper-Whitney hole
punch tool. There are two versions -- one with a 1-3/4" throat depth
(model #5), and one with a 3-1/4" throat depth (model #xx). Apparently,
only the larger size will handle punches as large as 3/8".

From MSC's web site, the 3/8" punch and die set alone for the
#xx are $23.57, while the set with various size punches (but not 3/8")
costs $286.18.

The punch and die sets which come with it a 5/32, 7/32,
9/32, 11/32, 13/32, 15/32, 17/32

I would suggest ordering more than one set of the 3/8" punch and
die combinations, as your 304 SS will probably dull them fairly quickly,
even at 18 ga.

MSC #: 09271057 for the tool and the wrong size dies, and the
3/8" punch and die is MSC #: 09272428.

Note that this is purely a hand tool, so if you want to do a lot
of these per day, you might look for a stand mounted lever operated press
instead -- perhaps an old one by DiAcro or some similar one. If you
expect to need to punch other sizes at a later time, a DiAcro turret
punch press would make sense, as you just rotate to bring other punches
and dies into line for use. (Of course, the punches and dies are more
expensive than those for the Roper-Whitney tools.

Good Luck,
DoN.

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