- Thread starter ELL
- Start date
I had to predrill with a 3mm drill to get my cutter to cut a neat hole 2 inched in dia. in similar sized boiler heat exchanger plate , clamped a cut out marked centered hole in thick hardboard as a template over the hole and used it as a guide for the nozzle . Cleaning holes with a file will be difficult for the burnt steel will likely tend to have been hardened by the burning heat . My heat exchanger plate was very very hard at the heat affected zone for two or so mm either side of the cut
Kram
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- 8,072
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- Sussex
What diameter holes? I'd suggest a step drill would be cleaner. To plasma holes you'd want some kind of guide or template if its to be neat. Punch through away from the edge then move to and around the guide.
I dont have much experience with my plasma, but punching holes seems to get a bit of splash back which is not great for the tips. a 3mm pilot hole would likely save a bit of wear.
Plasma cuts will be nitrided as a result of air being 80% nitrogen. A mounted stone or carbide burr in a die grinder would be best choice for cleaning up.
I dont have much experience with my plasma, but punching holes seems to get a bit of splash back which is not great for the tips. a 3mm pilot hole would likely save a bit of wear.
Plasma cuts will be nitrided as a result of air being 80% nitrogen. A mounted stone or carbide burr in a die grinder would be best choice for cleaning up.
BrokenBiker
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- Newport, South Wales
A step drill will be faster, cheaper, easier and more accurate...or a hole saw if the diameter is larger than 20mm
A mag drill and cutters is fantastic for holes in thicknesses up to about 20 mm .. worth hiring or buying if you have a lot to do .
I borrowed a mag drill from my pal c/w a 19mm cutter .
56 off x 19mm holes later through 10 mm mild plate , all done in about an hour . The holes are for clamping dogs with a 19mm heel for wood working or when I weld or any thing else that needs clamping to about 125mm tall .
I borrowed a mag drill from my pal c/w a 19mm cutter .
56 off x 19mm holes later through 10 mm mild plate , all done in about an hour . The holes are for clamping dogs with a 19mm heel for wood working or when I weld or any thing else that needs clamping to about 125mm tall .
