without going to a machine shop how could i cut a oblong hole in a 1/4 alum plate, making a rear rack, the holes will be for the tie downs . any ideas would like for it to look half way good???
how to cut a oblong hole
- Thread starter okcst1300
- Start date
can you use a deburring bit in a drill press? You could then have both hands free to "guide" the plate to where you want to get the oval shape. I would recommend using a marker to layout your oval design then nibble away the metal til it is correct. Hope that helps.
Drill 2 big holes proper distance apart. Then drill some smaller ones in between. Then file out the rough edges. Holes would look like this: oooo
WITH A COUPLE MORE SMALL ONES UP AT THE TOP.
WITH A COUPLE MORE SMALL ONES UP AT THE TOP.
Throttlejockey
Padden is my hero
That's how I would do it also. Sometimes you can cut the residual out with a hacksaw blade depending on how big the slots are.
I have no problems creating oblong holes....I just try to drill round ones and PRESTO....oblong holes!
Have fun!
Have fun!
Dinkie Diesel
------------Jeff------------
This title really caught my attention! I just had to see what you had in mind. 
I might suggest that plentiful holes (instead of slots) may serve the purpose?
I might suggest that plentiful holes (instead of slots) may serve the purpose?
+1 layout drill the big holes with a drill press at either end.
Cut your staight lines on the inside of the scribe line and sneak up on it with a file.
Cut your staight lines on the inside of the scribe line and sneak up on it with a file.
schlep1967
Bill
Drill as many of the large holes as you can in a line then clean up with a dremel tool and file.
Use a fence if you go that route.
Or you could just use round holes for the tie downs LOL
Or you could just use round holes for the tie downs LOL
You could ask me to drill a round hole there.
Drill two holes and use a coping saw between them.
Router with a metal cutting bit?
ahhh , just throw in in the water jet cutter
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
If you are careful and the material is not too thick, you can drill the hole, then slowly lean the drill in the direction of the slot. But you have to be careful or the bit will catch on the sides and twist your wrists in an unpleasant fashion.
juddspaintballs
Dual Sport Touring
I had my slots cut in aluminum with a laser. It helps to know the sorts of people with access to such cool toys.
STinner
Retired
drill holes required. disconnect scroll saw blade and insert through first hole and re-connect. using moderate speed proceed to follow layout line for fesired results. i have found that a twisted scroll saw blade (loew's or home depot) works the best. reminder-thinner the metal the faster blade speed.
happy sawing
dave
happy sawing
dave
Plasma-arc