Steel sheet hole punch - what machine is best?

[ELL]

I quite fancy making one of those welding tables which has holes in it for welding clamps. I obviously will get a sheet of metal and put holes in it.
What is the best machine for doing this? Obviously you need a throat big enough for punching holes.
Maybe not punching holes and another way is more time effective?
Ideas and advice welcome.
I want to make something like this:
Dimensions:

• Width: 930mm
• Length: 550mm
• Height: 55mm
• Hole Size: 16mm or 20mm
• Made from 5mm thick steel

 

[MetalMonkey]

Mag Drill.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Mag drill...fireball tools (i think) made a fixture for exactly this purpose with a mag drill

 

[Barking Mat]

I'd get it laser cut, just supply a dxf file.

Probably cheaper than a mag drill, more accurate and less hassle.

 

[Maker]

The one in the picture was almost certainly lasered.

 

[Kram]

Making one for your own use or is this something you plan to sell as a product?

To get a decent result to make a sellable product you would likely want the accuracy of cnc machining, that could be laser, waterjet, plasma, punching etc..