how to cut a oblong hole

[Don B]

Could you use a SOB file? Oops - I mean b*****d.

 

[Dinkie Diesel]

I wouldn't attempt to file aluminum, it will just load up the file and make it useless until you clean it.

Let me introduce you to a Vixen!

 

[Avtrician]

Rub chalk (or soap) in to the file, it will prevent the teeth getting loaded with aluminium. (Note the correct spelling of Aluminium... )

 

[Stump]

I've used a router with a carbide tipped 3/8 rabbet bit to join to drilled holes. With a guide fence you get a very nice machined look and a perfectly straight line

 

[hondaholic]

Can't believe no one's suggested a hole stretcher....

 

[Fireball]

I wouldn't attempt to file aluminum, it will just load up the file and make it useless until you clean it.

I keep a piece of 1 inch sidewalk chalk in each toolbox's file drawer. 3-4 strokes on the aluminum and then one across the chalk.

 

[TwoBrittanys]

Why go through all that and not be happy with the result. Can't you just use eye bolts for tie downs? There is also a guy on eBay selling exactly what you are trying to make.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Austin city limits]

The only true way to get something Oblong???

http://www.theonlyoblong.com/

 

[the_gr8t_waldo]

there's a guy on ebay selling holes??!!

 

[freeSTyle]

Both Joyce and I have Givi racks. When we are not using the Givi trunks and want to use the racks to carry cooler or such.

I`ve drilled 1/8" holes in all 4 corners and threaded 1"key rings thru to use as attachment points for straps or bungees. Should also work for flat racks?

Don

 

[Don B]

there's a guy on ebay selling holes??!!

Send me all your $, I'll send you all the holes you want - any shape you want

 

[the_gr8t_waldo]

thanks but, i'm good on holes!

 

[dond]

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pages/ToolDetail.aspx?pid=Dremel+Trio

 

[okcst1300]

Me again, wonder if I could use a jig saw withs a metal(fine)blade this is 1/4 thick alum.

 

[Throttlejockey]

Sure. Just drill a hole on each end of the size you want the slot to be and cut the rest out with the jig saw.
You probably don't want too fine of a blade or it will load up with aluminum.

 

[lddave]

Spray the jig saw blade with WD 40 while you are cutting and it will not load up with the aluminum .

 

[RFMike]

The real question to ask is, "What tools and skills do you have?" Then a good response can be given.

Mike