Holes in 1/4 steel
#1
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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.
#5
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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.
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.
#6
What is being drilled?
Do the holes have to be precise?
It might be possible to rent a drill with a magnetic mount.
Do the holes have to be precise?
It might be possible to rent a drill with a magnetic mount.
#9
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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.
#11
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1/4" thick steel for the side of a chicken coup??? I was guessing radiator/engine guards for some logging machinery.
luckky
voted this post useful.