[TowerTalk] N-connector double-D punch

[Roger (K8RI)]

hinrgdj1 at comcast.net wrote:
> An annular cutter is quicker and smoother...
>
> http://www.blairequipment.com/Rotabroach_Cutters/rota_cutters.html
>
> A small fractional set can be had on Epay for ~$70...very handy shop tool!
>
>   
I had forgotten about those.  They do an excellent job, work better than 
a hole saw, give a professional looking cut even when used with a hand 
drill (if the arbor fits the hole, or is self drilling)

However in their comparison photo the drill hole will look far better if 
they start with a small pilot hole and then work up. It will come out 
"round" and with only a small burr.  Admittedly that takes a lot longer 
and much more care, but it works if you don't have a broach on hand, or 
don't want to wait for one to be delivered.

73

Roger (K8RI)
> Mike K4EAR
>
>  -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: "Roger (K8RI)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
>   
>> Michael E Fox (N6MEF) wrote:
>>     
>>> I'm looking for what's called a "double-D" punch that is the correct size
>>> for N-type connectors.  This will be used to punch holes in bulkheads for
>>> installing either PolyPhaser DSXL lightening arrestors or N-type Amphenol
>>> bulkhead pass-through connectors.
>>>   
>>>       
>> I normally use Greenlee "knockout punches". The latest style split the 
>> piece knocked out into two haves that look like the letter "D", but I've 
>> never seen them called "double D". 
>>
>> OTOH material for bulkheads is normally thick enough I just use a drill 
>> bit of the proper size, be it in steel or aluminum.  IOW it's a rather 
>> small hole and punches for that size use a relatively small through bolt 
>> (bout 1/4" to 5/16") that can be broken trying to punch holes in 1/8" to 
>> 1/4" thick, Aluminum, Copper, or steel. I've busted the bolts on chassis 
>> punches for tube sockets, let alone this size and thickness.  Drill the 
>> hole undersize, then work up to the proper size one drill at a time. 
>> This gives a hole with relatively clean and smooth sides however don't 
>> forget to debur the inside and outside. BTW the hole for the through 
>> bolt on most of the punches is as large or larger than the bulkhead 
>> connectors for N or UHF.  (Same size IIRC)
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Roger (K8RI)
>>     
>>>  
>>>
>>> Greenlee doesn't make a double-D that is small enough and I'm having
>>> difficulty finding the right size anywhere.  
>>>
>>>  
>>>
>>> This must exist somewhere.  Anyone know where to find one?
>>>
>>>  
>>>
>>> FYI - if you don't know what I'm talking about, then Google "double-d
>>> punch".  You will find many out there, most notably Greenlee.  But I haven't
>>> found any that have the right dimensions for a standard N-connector. 
>>>
>>>  
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Michael  /  N6MEF
>>>
>>>  
>>>
>>>  
>>>
>>>  
>>>
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