[Amps] Chassis construction question

[Will Matney]

Gary,

Yea I have a full set of punches I use now. For smaller holes, I was trying to find and easier way to create them. I found a set of TIN coated Forstner bits on sale for $7.49 going from 1/4" to 1" with 3/8" shanks. They had new chassis punch sets pretty cheap too, around $20 a set. I remembered reading about someone using those Forstner bits I think in a book I have. If the work, it might make quick work of hole making compared to using cone bits.

Best,

Will

Amateur Transformer & Supply
Power and RF transformers for amateur radio.


----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: Gary Smith <wa6fgi at sbcglobal.net>
To: <craxd1 at verizon.net>, <amps at contesting.com>
Received: Mon, 01 Aug 2005 16:43:15 -0700
Subject: Re: [Amps] Chassis construction question


>Will:

>They are a bit on the pricey side. I had the need for one, (it was $14.95, a full set had 
>me reaching for the Tums,) seen the cost, took to making a small hole and then my 
>Dremel tool did the trick.

>I have only used Forstner bits on wood, fwiw.

>Maybe you scour ebay for a set of Grinnell chassis punches?

> A set of them shouldn't  be worth too much in this solid state, surface mount, pc board 
>world of modern electronics nowadays.

>Just a thought.

>73,
>Gary... wa6fgi
>  ----- Original Message ----- 
>  From: Will Matney 
>  To: amps at contesting.com 
>  Sent: Monday, August 01, 2005 4:25 PM
>  Subject: [Amps] Chassis construction question


>  Has anyone heard of or tried using Forstner bits for swich holes, etc in chassis 
>construction? I had read an article somewhere about using them on aluminum chassis 
>but didn't mention something like 20 ga. mild steel. I wonder how it would work in either, 
>especiall using bits with a TIN coating? I could see how they wouldnt really need a 
>starting hole, maybe just a spot from a center dril to make a big hole like Trepanning. 
>What I use now is either cone bits, or chassis punches driven with an electric impact 
>wrench. The larger cone bits require a starter hole like 1/8" and of course the punches 
>have to have a hole to match the bolt. Any comments on these Forstner bits would be 
>appreciated.

>  Best,

>  Will

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