30MM punches

[Tiny_Daddy]

I have been using Deltron 30mm punch to make holes for the Belton octal sockets. Problem is if the chassis is steel you won't get many holes before the punch is worn out. Mouser lists this punch as obsolete and has 5 left. There is a 30mm punch by Q-Max for sale in UK. Anyone tried this?
Alternately I am thinking of punching 1 1/8 with Greenlee and then finishing with a step-drill to 1 3/16.

[stingray_65]

I've punched multiple HUNDREDS of holes in thick (12ga) Hoffman enclosures.

everything from 1/2"conduit(.840") to 2''' (2.375").

Yeah they do dull. Worse yet the company is slow to replace my tooling.

Good news, They aren't difficult to resharpen.

Here's the thing, sharpening tools is not intuitive nor is it easy to explain without showing you angles and surfaces.

Most saw sharpening company's can sharpen most tools, I would try there first.

so you can extend the useful life of the punch.

A quick Google search shows me this place has a 30mm KO punch for about $25


http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Tools/Hole_Cutting_Tools/Knockout_Punches_-a-_Accessories_-_Fractional_-a-_Metric_size/109300?source=googlebase

[Tiny_Daddy]

Thanks, I just ordered one.

[kagliostro]

Have you never try something like this ?

[Tiny_Daddy]

Yes I have a set of hole saws. Problem is for repairs, there is already a hole there, ~ 1/4 inch too small for 30MM replacement sockets. I could buy sockets that fit the holes but I prefer the Belton sockets. I also have a step drill but it's not as neat as a punch. I use the step drill when the hole is only slightly too small, as happens on some Weber chassis. Sometimes it seems amp building is all about making holes.

[kagliostro]

Sometimes it seems amp building is all about making holes.

yes, I can understand

Kagliostro