Cutting square KO's in control panel door
- Thread starter bigfoot
- Start date
- Status
Other than a jigsaw....you can buy a square KO set-up, if the available sizes match the size/s you need...and you can find them.
I found a few on eBay: http://search-desc.ebay.com/search/...action=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search
I found a few on eBay: http://search-desc.ebay.com/search/...action=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search
Last edited:
- Location
- Massachusetts
Greenlee makes a punch for almost any application.
They make square ones, "D" shaped ones etc.
They make square ones, "D" shaped ones etc.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Take a look here:
http://www.greenlee.com/cat_docs/Holemaking.pdf
If the size isn't exactly what you need you can use a smaller square punch and make multiple KO's. It requires some decent planning to layout the center holes but it can be done.
http://www.greenlee.com/cat_docs/Holemaking.pdf
If the size isn't exactly what you need you can use a smaller square punch and make multiple KO's. It requires some decent planning to layout the center holes but it can be done.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
We put thousands of holes in control panel doors every month. We use a jig saw for holes we do not have a punch for. Works fine for mild steel. Not as good in stainless or aluminum. But we have not found anything more cost effective.
There are punchs for the common size rectangular or square cutouts (like the DIN sizes for instruments). You can also get one custom made if you use a lot of one non-standard size. But there is a practical size limit where you either need to punch multiple times or use a saw.
I was in a shop once where they used a circular saw on a sliding frame so the saw could only move in one axis. Made for pretty quick sawing of holes. It was homemade, but worked well. Pretty quick setup time and no eyeballing required. Circular saw with some kind of metal blade cut much faster than jig saw does.
There are punchs for the common size rectangular or square cutouts (like the DIN sizes for instruments). You can also get one custom made if you use a lot of one non-standard size. But there is a practical size limit where you either need to punch multiple times or use a saw.
I was in a shop once where they used a circular saw on a sliding frame so the saw could only move in one axis. Made for pretty quick sawing of holes. It was homemade, but worked well. Pretty quick setup time and no eyeballing required. Circular saw with some kind of metal blade cut much faster than jig saw does.
623merlin
Member
- Location
- Arizona, near Phoenix
Try a dremmel with a cutting wheel. Rough out the hole a bit smaller than needed and then file to size.
DaveTap
Senior Member
- Location
- Currently Flowery Branch, GA
Just use CAD/CAM to write a quick program then clamp it on the CNC turret punch in the shop. 
(also very handy for making new stainless covers)
In the field for small ones I punch or use air nibbler... Larger ones I use a metal or diamond wheel in the air cuttoff saw or 4" grinder, then jig saw or sawsall to the corners. On thin covers or plastic use aviation snips.
(also very handy for making new stainless covers)In the field for small ones I punch or use air nibbler... Larger ones I use a metal or diamond wheel in the air cuttoff saw or 4" grinder, then jig saw or sawsall to the corners. On thin covers or plastic use aviation snips.
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