Home Made Punch & Die Set

Excellent work! Now I suppose you are going to tackle how to make Hexagonal set next? Your work is proof that with a little thought and skill you can produce your own tools without breaking the bank.

Cheers;

Gregory

I'm thinking about the Hex Punch & Die set right now and I will let you guys know about my progress as soon as possible.

Best regards.

My thought on it was to use Allen Keys or Hex Wrenches. If the wrench were to pass through a round hole as a guide the Hexagonal shape should cut the same as if it were a round punch.

Cheers;

Gregory

Working on the final version: 
Aluminum plate: U$ 2,57 (from scrap) 
Acrylic plate: Free (from scrap) 
Two metallic shelf holders: US$ 0,17

waikong wrote:

That's good! Thanks for the really clear pictures. Do you need to do anything to the drill bits when you use them a punches?

I protect the sharp end of the drill with a plastic cap.

And here we go again ...................

Basic set of holes is ready. Range from 1 to 5.5 mm

it's also a nice drill holder...  :D

that's what you get...

DONE.

Next step: steel base!!!!

Nice pulleys, finally !!!!!!!!!  :

Thanks MontanaCowboy.

Will you post some pictures of your Punch & Die Set here too?

Definately!

School starts in one week, and since I'm no 1. in tech ed (%146)  I can basically make whatever I want. I could probably make an etchmate if I wanted!

An etchmate is my next project and...

A plastic strip cutter too.

For a hex set, look at http://www.mcmaster.com/ and search for Allen keys.  The hard part is broaching a hole for a hex that small.  I ended up using a round hole.  Works very well, IMHO.

BTW, I made a round set very similar to the sets above and have measured drawings and materials lists if any one is interested.  Just shoot me an Email or PM.

And, if making a PE bender, don't settle for an Etchmate copy, copy the Fender Bender.  Of course, I make that, so I am a little partial!!!

Are you associated with Ausfwerks in any way other than you being a part of the disign team?

I like the Fender Bender's way of bending things. Seems to get better leverage and more precise bending.

thehannaman wrote:

Will this work with 1/4 inch plexiglass?

I don't think so.

What are all those holes in the back of the aluminum plate for?

I like that! One of these times, I'll have to make one for my workbench!

Those holes are placeholders for future drills !!!!!!!!!!!

We never know how many of them will be nescessary, right?

MontanaCowboy wrote:

Let me ask for verification. There are depressions below the Acrylic sheet for the discs to fall into correct? Are they just the same diameter?

The 6 mm Placeholders in the back of the metal plate are conical so they are used to help the discs fall out too.

I realize this is not the newest post butt...................

BUMP

This REALLY needs to be pinned/sticky'd.  How about it mods?  The only reason not to, is having vested interest in the profits of the companies.  Alot of us can't afford to buy the waldron sets, and this is GREAT!

call me daft, but how do you use it?

Do you hammer the drill bits through the holes into the styrene below to punch out the circle. How do you do that without ruining the drill bits?

 Again, I am sorry for being dense, but I don't get how it's operated.

thanks! 

I'm guessing that he uses them as you see. Twist bit up. That leaves a squared edge against the styrene to make a crisp hole. As far as ruining the bits thats a posibility. However for one it's fairly easy to replace the bits and also I dont think it would require alot of force.

Just what I assume from the pictures and having used punch and die sets on other materials such as shim stock.

I was thinking of just using different sizes of music wire and or aluminum/brass tubing.  Although as the original poster said, he has a thick rubber cap he places over the point of the drill bit to protect them.  I plan on making one of these real soon, as soon as I get the time to do so that is.  Next day off, have to pickup the kid fromt he grandparents(halfway accross state) next day off after that is anniversary, and the one after that I have a dentists appointment(OUCH).  Mind is racing along wanting one of these though.  Gotta swing byt he art supply store to get the clear acrylic though.

Michael

P.S. Another use would be, makiing a mask for the painting of the wheels on armor kits.  I myself in addition that plan on making pulley's for model car engines.  As well as disc brakes, etc.