i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
(OP)
i'm trying to build a way i can build a template for facepltates that are rackable. the end result will look like this
htt p://cgi.eb ay.com/Bel lari-RP583 -Studio-Tu be-Compres sor-Limite r-New_W0QQ itemZ16003 7891015QQi hZ006QQcat egoryZ2379 3QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQ rdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem?h ash=item16 0037891015
basically it will be a punch. instead of using a CNC milling machine i would like to make something that allows me to punch all the holes in the front faceplate. so i can make DIY projects for people. i picked up a hole puncher for punching holes in paper and i was hoping i could find someone who could help me make such a device that would act like the hole puncher except it would put 10-12 holes in a sheet of aluminum 19"X3.5". i think it can be done. but i'm certainly going to need some help. any ideas would be great.
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basically it will be a punch. instead of using a CNC milling machine i would like to make something that allows me to punch all the holes in the front faceplate. so i can make DIY projects for people. i picked up a hole puncher for punching holes in paper and i was hoping i could find someone who could help me make such a device that would act like the hole puncher except it would put 10-12 holes in a sheet of aluminum 19"X3.5". i think it can be done. but i'm certainly going to need some help. any ideas would be great.





RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
http://unipunch.com/products/standard_shapes.asp
RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
The units unclesyd mentions are good but you cannot have holes “close together” they are also fairly expensive and you will need to create a jig to line them up, they usually have a 6mm / ¼” dowel in the lower face, you will also need a press of some kind.
Another option is to have a cheap press tool made, probably cheaper than the units above but this will only produce one variant.
If the material is thin consider a shim punch ask in any toolroom to see one. Basically it is two plates that line up on dowels with a series of punches and holes that you manually line up and hit with a mallet. Very low tech and not extremely accurate but cheap and flexible, you could of course make a unique part to produce each variant.
The final option I would suggest is a drill jig (if the material is thicker) much along the lines of the shim punch. The part is located between to plates and a series of dowels with a hardened drill bush on the centres you wish to drill. A slow process but cheap and accurate and you only need a drill press or pistol drill.
RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
Laser /water jet may be cheaper for such low volume and would be accurate as for a vendor I would look locally so that depends really where in the world you are.
RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
RE: i'm trying to build a simple way to make templates for faceplates
Try mfgquote or Thomas Register. Both can help put you in touch with job shops who do what you seek in services.
Unipunch makes a good product that can be ganged to make several holes per hit but, in addition to the tools, you need a machine on which to run them, space to store and the ability to support maintenance and repair.
Ask yourself what you want to do - Dream up/design products and services OR make parts?
Griffy