[Amps] Chassis construction question

[Will Matney]

Jim,

Well, I guess you have to get a feel for using the impact and the punch. I kind of "goose" the impact along and not just run it in at one go. Plus, the through bolt is a grade 8, and fine threads, so it will break before it will stretch any. I've never damaged a punch yet doing that. I have an electric impact now, but when I ran the shop before, I used an air impact and it worked just as good. The trick is watching so to stop it as soon as you hear that pop when the slug breaks free, as if it's bottemed out tight, you have to use something to brake it loose like holding the die in a vise, and back the bolt out with the reverse on the driver, or a wrench. I have done this from time to time, and still never hurt the threads. If you do damage a bolt, you can go buy a grade 8 fine thread bolt as a replacement cheap. If a punch has a square head bolt, I change it out the first thing to a hex head grade 8. I never did damage the threded punch, they are harder than the bolt I believe. If ones skiddish about using an impact, you can always use a cheater bar or a long boxed in wrench. It's just more time consuming to do. Another trick is to watch the punch going through from the backkside if you can. Watch for the V in the punch to dissappear and you know your there. Always give the threads and the punch/die a shot of WD-40 about every two holes and that keeps them from seizing. At that if I did ruin one, I can buy punch sets for $20 a set so, replacing one isn't that bad but that I've not done yet. Harbor Freight has these on the cheap. Last, always give the punch a good coating of WD-40 or 3 in 1 oil before you put it up after use. That keeps any rust down for the next job.

Best,

Will


*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

On 8/3/05 at 6:19 PM k7rdx wrote:

>Will, how do you not gall the threads on the Greenlee punches when using
>an
>impact to force feed them?Jim...
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Will Matney" <craxd1 at verizon.net>
>To: <amps at contesting.com>
>Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 5:28 PM
>Subject: Re: [Amps] Chassis construction question
>
>
>> Carl,
>>
>> I use the Greenlee chassis punches now. They have the "Slugbuster" brand
>that splits the slug in half for easy removal. They are good. I'd like to
>have their hydraulic driver but it's a little too expensive for my blood.
>That's when I turn to an impact wrench : ) I think Mouser Electronics
>carries them now.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Will
>>
>> *********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********
>>
>> On 8/3/05 at 8:29 PM carl seyersdahl wrote:
>>
>> >Ever heard of Greenlee punches ?? They are a little expensive today but
>> >worth every cent.!!  I don't have any of them anymore, but clear back in
>> >the
>> >50's they were very popular.!!
>> >   Just another thought from "way back when".!!!!
>> >   carl / kz5ca
>> >----- Original Message ----- 
>> >From: <JCoupejr at aol.com>
>> >To: <amps at contesting.com>
>> >Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 1:12 AM
>> >Subject: Re: [Amps] Chassis construction question
>> >
>> >
>> >> Gary,
>> >>
>> >> Keep your eyes open for a set of cutters called Rotabroach. My set
>goes
>> >up
>> >> to 7/8" if my memory serves me correctly, but I believe you can get
>> >larger
>> >> sizes. I got my set from Snap On, who may still carry them.
>> >>
>> >> The Rotabroach is essentially a hole saw that cuts a hole using a
>> >donut-like
>> >> broach operation. It leaves a very clean hole every time. I  learned
>> >about
>> >> the Rotabroach from helicopter mechanics who suggested I use them 
>when
>> >drilling
>> >> panels for avionics. I use my 3/4 broach for drilling holes for  NMO
>> >mounts
>> >> in cars/trucks.
>> >>
>> >> I have had my set now for over 15 years. They do not break or wear
>out.
>> >>
>> >> Take a look at the manufacturer's website:
>> >> _http://www.hougen.com/cutters/cutters_index.html_
>> >(http://www.hougen.com/cutters/cutters_index.html)
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Hope this helps...
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> John Coupe
>> >> Coupe Communications, Inc.
>> >> WA3BXH
>> >> _______________________________________________
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>> >
>> >
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