[jacc1234]

I have finished work on a few cmoybb's and am having problems with the casework. I will be using Altoids tins and purchased a cheap one handed hole punch for job. I have tried and tried but cant even get the damn thing to dent the metal. There is no way I can see it punching a hole in the case ever! Am I doing something wrong or is it a specific type?

 

[FallenAngel]

Drill.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Is it one of those punches where you have to drill a hole, thread the punch through tha hole, then punch a larger hole with the punch? Some of them work that way.

As Fallen Angel said, drilling is another great way to make a hole. For a tin, I'd be sure to pu a piece of scrap wood behind the pont where you drill. Otherwise, the drillbit's exit can mess up the tin. Pick up a small round file to clean up the hole, too. Files are cheap and will make your work look nice.

Good luck and be sure to post pics when you're done!

 

[iriverdude]

Use a gun?

 

[The Monkey]

If you plan on doing more casework in the future, I suggest getting a stepped drill bit. I also had problems using the hole punch. The stepped drill bit made things much easier.

 

[linuxworks]

hand reamer:

 

[a1m80t]

I tried the hole punch trick. It was pretty hard but it works. Theres no real tricks to it, either try a new, sharper hole puncher or find someone stronger than you.

 

[Gvvt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxworks /img/forum/go_quote.gif hand reamer:

That name, the picture, and my occasional clumsiness make this a really disturbing suggestion.

 

[Earwax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacc1234 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have finished work on a few cmoybb's and am having problems with the casework. I will be using Altoids tins and purchased a cheap one handed hole punch for job. I have tried and tried but cant even get the damn thing to dent the metal. There is no way I can see it punching a hole in the case ever! Am I doing something wrong or is it a specific type?

I just use a common paper punch that looks like this-

It takes some determination, but it does work.

 

[zkool448]

Do you have access to a Dremel? It's the only tool I use that can easily and cleanly cut holes without bending the soft tin.

Start the hole slowly with something like a cutting bit #118 then enlarge the holes with #117 or something similar.

zk

 

[tacitapproval]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earwax /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just use a common paper punch that looks like this- It takes some determination, but it does work.

I tried one of those and the punch bent all up.

I second the dremel.

 

[elliot42]

Stepped drill bit, or the reamer as linuxworks suggested.
Really can't go wrong with a stepped bit, I bought a set of 3 for $25AUD and they are absolutely invaluable for casework with both sheet metal and plastics.

 

[kansei]

x3 on the stepped drill bit, they're amazing. Even worked well enough with my hand held drill before I got the monster drill press.

 

[deltaydeltax]

I also like the step drill bits. They kick ass!

 

[a1m80t]

If your just going to make just one $20 cmoy just borrow your neighbours or stick with the hole punch. If you are careful, you can actually hide the bend or mess ups with the outside washer