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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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#1
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin
tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Drill a pilot hole and cut out with a coping saw? If the inside of the tank is not accessible, make a handle (duct tape?) for the blade so the free end is exposed. Orient the teeth so they cut on the pull stroke. |
#3
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
"anorton" wrote in message m... "Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Drill a pilot hole and cut out with a coping saw? If the inside of the tank is not accessible, make a handle (duct tape?) for the blade so the free end is exposed. Orient the teeth so they cut on the pull stroke. Another method I have used: drill a pilot hole and enlarge carefully to size with a dremel grinding bit. |
#4
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
I think we have a winner.
Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "anorton" wrote in message ... Another method I have used: drill a pilot hole and enlarge carefully to size with a dremel grinding bit. |
#5
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
Tim Wescott wrote:
I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. must the hole be round? if not, drill a crappy hole with a trist drill and then tear the rest size with good needle nose pliers. I've opened canned food with needle nose pliers, so I know they can cut such metal pretty nicely. |
#6
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. A 1/2" one-flute countersink may do the job well enough. http://aeroconsystems.com/misc/rattpak_countersink.jpg You could turn your own one-step drill bit from drill rod. Mill 1/4 to 1/2 off of it with an end mill to get a radial cutting edge. It might drill the can without hardening. I made an emergency one to open up truck spring u-bolt holes from 1/2" to 5/8", so the kid could get his truck back together and out of my driveway. It was milled half-round and definitely did need to be hardened, twice to get it right. jsw |
#7
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:15:01 -0400, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. A 1/2" one-flute countersink may do the job well enough. http://aeroconsystems.com/misc/rattpak_countersink.jpg Thank you. I happened to have one, and it made a nice clean round hole -- just like I wanted. My ass is saved -- for the moment. It's one of those head-smackingly obvious things in hindsight, isn't it? -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com |
#8
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:15:01 -0400, Jim Wilkins wrote: A 1/2" one-flute countersink may do the job well enough. Thank you. I happened to have one, and it made a nice clean round hole -- just like I wanted. My ass is saved -- for the moment. It's one of those head-smackingly obvious things in hindsight, isn't it? Tim Wescott Only after trying it. See what a multi-flute countersink does on a test piece. jsw |
#9
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
OK, so that turns out to be the winner. Glad you got the job done.
Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:15:01 -0400, Jim Wilkins wrote: A 1/2" one-flute countersink may do the job well enough. http://aeroconsystems.com/misc/rattpak_countersink.jpg Thank you. I happened to have one, and it made a nice clean round hole -- just like I wanted. My ass is saved -- for the moment. It's one of those head-smackingly obvious things in hindsight, isn't it? |
#10
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
Tim Wescott fired this volley in
: need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. Tim, A "spur drill" comes to mind, but you don't have one. I might suggest another way, without buying another tool (just yet). Shorten your step drill. Just grind off the offending length. They're not all that expensive, and you can keep the ground off version for future "shallow-by-wide" drilling projects. Use a cut-off wheel, or go VERY slowly on a grinder, cooling frequently in water to avoid drawing the temper of the metal. LLoyd Lloyd |
#11
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
Tim Wescott wrote: I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Punch the hole with a hollow punch (HF has a set cheap) backed by hardwood. The slight bent edge will just help with soldering. |
#12
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:49:31 -0500, Tim Wescott
wrote: I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. |
#13
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:49:31 -0500, Tim Wescott
wrote: I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. If it's one hole, I'd use a piece of 1/2 copper or other pipe, a circular dam of putty, and some abrasive, the way you'd drill one or a couple of holes in glass. Water will work for a lubricant/retaining liquid. -- Ed Huntress |
#14
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Can you solder the fitting on first and then drill thru it? Art |
#15
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:59:07 -0800, Artemus wrote:
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Can you solder the fitting on first and then drill thru it? Art Almost, but not quite. It's a brass ring with 40TPI threads, about 0.4" inner diameter, to clear a clunk weight. (This is like, way gonzo from a model airplane standpoint. But the contest is THIS WEEKEND, and neither the weather nor my work schedule are going to allow test flights. So, I do something that may or may not work, and I may or may not have a spare plane on Saturday). -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com |
#16
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
"Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:59:07 -0800, Artemus wrote: "Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Can you solder the fitting on first and then drill thru it? Art Almost, but not quite. It's a brass ring with 40TPI threads, about 0.4" inner diameter, to clear a clunk weight. (This is like, way gonzo from a model airplane standpoint. But the contest is THIS WEEKEND, and neither the weather nor my work schedule are going to allow test flights. So, I do something that may or may not work, and I may or may not have a spare plane on Saturday). -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com Drill a 1/2" hole in a brass plate. Solder this to the tank and drill thru it. Unsolder the brass plate and Bob's your uncle. Art |
#17
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Apr 18, 5:49*pm, Tim Wescott wrote:
I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). *So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. *I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. *So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. *I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Softwarehttp://www.wescottdesign.com Ragged hole a bit bigger and solder in a thicker piece with a good hole? I'm flying electrics myself, would like a gas plane as an occasional luxury though. |
#18
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:54 -0700, Dave__67 wrote:
On Apr 18, 5:49Â*pm, Tim Wescott wrote: I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). Â*So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. Â*I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. Â*So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. Â*I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Softwarehttp://www.wescottdesign.com Ragged hole a bit bigger and solder in a thicker piece with a good hole? I'm flying electrics myself, would like a gas plane as an occasional luxury though. I've got all this "wet power" stuff lying around, and '08 through '10 were very bad news for me. So I can't quite swing the investment for the changeover. But I'd like to -- I'd most certainly like to. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com |
#19
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
If you have a CNC mill or a rotary table, mill out a circle using a
very small end mill. i On 2012-04-18, Tim Wescott wrote: I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. |
#20
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
Hey Tim,
i have not read "down" my list here, so maybe you have better suggestions already, but: Get somewthing, a flat washer perhaps, with a hole in it the size you want. Tape it to the tank so it is rigid temporarily. Poke a smallish hole in the tank, and then run a Dremel stone around and around until you are "tracing" the inside of the "washer". Problen will be cleaning the "swarf" out the tank then. Good luck. Let us know how you fare at the "contest"? Brian Lawson, Bothwell, Ontario. XXXXXXXXXXXXX On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:49:31 -0500, Tim Wescott wrote: I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. |
#21
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:48:38 -0400, Brian Lawson wrote:
Good luck. Let us know how you fare at the "contest"? Well, that's almost entirely a done deal. It's control line (model airplane) precision aerobatics. Last year I was in the beginner class which is for, well, beginners. It features an abbreviated pattern with all the really hard maneuvers taken out. This year I'm moving myself up to intermediate*. All this winter I've been struggling with trying to get my planes to work right with bigger tanks that can hold enough fuel to make it through a complete pattern, but when it hasn't been windy it's been raining buckets -- so I haven't gotten a whole lot of practice in. So, "how will you place?" is pretty much predestined to be "at the bottom". "Did your plane(s) survive?" is more of a mystery -- I'll report on that one on Sunday. Or, given bad flying, maybe Saturday. * It has been pointed out on numerous occasions that judging for beginner and intermediate is way harder than judging for expert. In expert the rounds are round and the squares are square, and you can pretty much count bobbles and subtract 1/2 a point each. In beginner and intermediate you often have to start by asking yourself "what maneuver is that supposed to be?" and go from there. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com |
#22
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
On 2012-04-18, Tim Wescott wrote:
I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. Is the can curved, or do you have a flat place to drill the hole? This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. If there is no curve, and you can back up with some wood, I would suggest drilling with a brad point wood drill, which cuts through at the OD first (not counting the centering brad, of course). This will probably dull the bit, but it may be expendable. If you have two of the Unibits, why not cut off the end of one so you can use the normal one to get up to as far as you can get before the tip touches the other side, and then use the shortened one to complete the hole. If you could live with 9/32", something like my sheet metal punch pliers (Roper-Whitney No.5) might do. Hmm ... there is another size, the "Model XX", which can go up to 17/32" hole size -- almost all the way there. Here is their web page, in case you are not familiar with these tools: http://roperwhitney.com/punching/2-45.cfm For that matter -- do you have the T-handled tapered reamer? It will go up to 1/2" (though it is rather long for your can) and I'm not sure how well it will work in something as thin as your workpiece. Or -- do you have Greenlee radio chassis punches? They will work well for this, set the punch on the inside with the points set at the apex of the curve, and the die on the outside. You'll probably need about 3/4" to clear the thickness of the die between the ribs of the can. Good Luck, DoN. -- Remove oil spill source from e-mail Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564 (too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html --- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero --- |
#23
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
Tim Wescott wrote:
I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. grind a twist drill like the picture in the below url. Test it on another piece of metal.....they work great on sheet metal. John http://www.wlfuller.com/html/brad_point_drills.html |
#24
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Drilling clean holes in thin sheet
Holesaw, comes to mind. The HF hole saws don't work worth a hoot, I find.
Are you drilling the flat end, or into the side? I've found that using a high speed, and very gentle feed pressure will make a cleaner hole. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Tim Wescott" wrote in message ... I've got a little 3oz fuel tank (model airplane) made out of thin tinplate (a Dole Pineapple Chunk can, actually). So, maybe about 10 or 15mil, with corrugations. I need to drill a 1/2" diameter hole in it, to solder in a fitting. I know that if I use a regular 1/2" twist drill I'll just rip out big hunks of tin -- so that's a no-go. This is a last-minute rework to get me to a contest this weekend, and I've spent out the modeling budget this month. So I'd like to be able to do it with tools I have in the shop rather than spending time or money I don't have to order something, or even nip around to Horror Freight. I have a nice stepped drill that goes up to 1/2 inch, but it's longer than the tank. I may just go ahead and drill through and patch up the far end -- but if there's a better solution, I'm open to suggestions. -- My liberal friends think I'm a conservative kook. My conservative friends think I'm a liberal kook. Why am I not happy that they have found common ground? Tim Wescott, Communications, Control, Circuits & Software http://www.wescottdesign.com |
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