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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
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    North Brisbane. Qld. Australia
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    Default 2000 holes to drill

    At work we have about 2000 lengths of 980mm x 75mm thin walled (1.6mm) tube that needs zinc plating. We need one hole approx 4mm diameter in one end, about 20mm in from the end, so a hook can be used to hang them. We have a drill press and I have made a simple jig to attach to drill press table. This will work by sliding the tube over the jig which consists of a piece of pipe about 75mm long just under the ID of the tube, which is attached to a piece of 75mm angle to act as a stop and to clamp or bolt to the drill table.

    My question is, is there a simple idea that is better and quicker to do this job. Maybe hire some sort of punch if available?
    Nev.

  2. #2
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    Nov 2008
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    Default

    Probably belongs in the Metal Working Forum. Can a mod please move if it should?
    Nev.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    Default

    Hi Nev, It's possible to be able to punch the holes, depending on the set up of the punching machine. It would work on a similar principle to the way you're drilling them. As to hiring a machine I doubt that anyone hires them. I picked up a couple of Ficep punch and shear machines from a machinery dealer as "Parts Only", as to be able to bring them up to the OH&S standard would be horrendous, for around $400 each. By the time you add a punch and die, it could work out an expensive exercise, for a one off job. Another alternative is something similar to hand shears, but in a punch form.
    Metal Guillotine Hand Lever Shear 200mm only $225

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/north-wollongong/miscellaneous-goods/metal-guillotine-hand-lever-shear-200mm-only-225/1138355637

    . We also have a Bramley Hole Punch for sale... same price.
    It would require some modifications to make it work for your job.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Perth
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    241

    Default

    So long as the bit of a burr on the inside doesn't matter too much, just select a person who'd be most focused on getting it done. Sadly the majority of workers will whinge and moan about the task, far too few will relish the challenge of getting into the zone and finding a flow of getting through the work. 2,000 pieces seems like a trivial job to me, slide tube on jig drill down drill up flick tube off next tube on rinse repeat. 4mm only requires a single bit, unless you need a burr free penetration.
    To me, if the burr doesn't matter, I imagine it should be a day to a day & half length job on a drill press. If no burr is necessary a punch will be a far cheaper route, if the burr doesn't matter then get someone who is least likely to let themself be distracted!

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    North Brisbane. Qld. Australia
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    Default

    We have previously gotten these pipes with the hole already drilled. Not sure why not this time. I think the boss has quoted about $2.50 per hole and the customer accepted. Love to do this job at home at that price if it's true. Burr does not matter, as before they had a burr that would take of the end of your finger in not careful. l also think it's an easy job and have calculated that I could just about do 1500 in a day. Not so sure about the other blokes I work with. Had a thought that an Arbor Press with punch and die would work but probably quicker (and cheaper) with a drill press.
    Nev.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
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    Only thing I would suggest is a jig with a drill bush in it, so you can use an ordinary drill and not worry about it wandering - not really an issue for a tooling hole, but it will mean that you don't have to start slow and wait for the drill to bite. If you can find a centre drill of an acceptable diameter you may not even need that. (No. 2 is 3/16" diameter, No. 1 is 1/8").

    Michael

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    283

    Default

    To be sure, you can use a drill bush with a jobber drill, but you might be better advised to buy a couple of Dormer stub 4 mm coated production drill bits (NOT Chinese and not P&N or Suttons). You only need about 5 mm of travel after all.

    Cheers
    Roger

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