Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
(OP)
Currently estimating the cost to fabricate a welded frame constructed of 1 inch square tubing. Frame members have holes and tapped holes. These are my issues : drilling and tapping is expensive. Punching is less expensive , but is there a good method for punching 1" tubing (.125 wall ) while maintaining a quality hole for tapping ? Annual volume is 1000-1200. As usual when estimating I can only make two mistakes. Bid too high and lose the job or bid to low and send money out the door with each assembly





RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
Dave
RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
We have used the flowdrill on some tube but it does take some time.
Other possibilities, depending on location along the length of the tube could be: punched hole with a short collar extruded to give extra grip length to your screw(could be tapped or use a self tapper screw); a punched "nail hole" which simply pushes a pointed punch thru the wall and leaves an irregular shoulder; or punch or drill a hole and use a press nut like PEM or a clinch style. If this part is to be assembled/disassembled multiple times, I'd recommend the last option.
Griffy
RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
studwelding ?
RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing
Have you tried rivnuts?
RE: Most effective method to drill / tap holes in 1" Sq Tubing