Holes in 1/4 steel

What would be the best option for cutting one inch diameter holes in 1/4 steel. Brother-in-law needs to cut about 240 so drilling is not a very good option. Any tools or ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Probably a plasma torch stencil.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Plas...85b7bRZbncM%3A

 

This procedure would call for laser or water jet cutting. He should contact a metal working shop and contract it out. Many small shops might squeeze it in among their other jobs or during a slow day.

 

Thanks, I will let him know. It is in a structure on his land/farm so he will have to have them come to him.

 

For the amount of holes he needs/wants it would be better and cheaper to have the part fabricated then brought to his farm. A few holes could be cut with a torch or hand plasma but 240 really calls for a robot. Many/most sheet metal and welding fabrication shops have at least a plasma or laser and could easily cut the 240 holes. And with 240 holes doing it in a shop with the proper machine will be much cheaper than the many hours it would take in the field.

Cheapest will be to have a plasma do the work. The holes will be a little rougher and the sheet will need a grinder to remove the slag/burrs. A laser is more expensive but makes very clean holes that likely will not need any cleanup. The most expensive option will be a water jet. It can make very clean holes but it is slow compared to the other tools. A water jet also leaves the greatest draft angles on the cut so if the sides of the hole need to be straight it's not as good as a laser.

 

What is being drilled?
Do the holes have to be precise?

It might be possible to rent a drill with a magnetic mount.

 

What exactly is it he's trying to build that he needs that many holes?

 

I was wondering the same thing.

 

He is going into the chicken business and needs to cut them to add some siding to the houses. I really do not know the specifics as I have not see it yet. He lives about 4 hours away. I will be going down at some point.

 

1/4 steel plate is big over kill for something like that.

 

1/4" thick steel for the side of a chicken coup??? I was guessing radiator/engine guards for some logging machinery.