punching holes in SS

[meadjug]

Thanks to everyone for all the information,it has been a great help.
I have found a Whitney press I think will do the job.
many,many thanks to all.

[timw]

I called Scotchman and that machine, XL 5075, was made in low 80's , it's a 50 ton and the 75 stands for 7.5" throat on the punch. It's 3ph 5hp.
For those reading this and not familiar with Ironworkers they basicly bite metal (angle, flat, round) or punch holes in it taking only seconds to do it using hydralics. They are fun to use especially if you have cut much stuff with chop or band saws or torch.

[ASKANDY]

My unit is the Pirhana P-50 and that unit handles anything I can throw at it. I tried the others at the PRI show and am fond of the P-50. When comparing the same hole size in a common plate size, the Pirhana didn't "grunt" nearly as bad. It seemed effortless. The cost difference is quite a bit though (a few thousand$$) and unless you are using it alot, a Scotchman or other less expensive brand or even a used unit would be the way to go.
Check out these links.

http://netmachinery.net/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?db=qfab&website=&language=&session_key=&search_and_display_db_button=on&results_format=headlines&category=Ironworkers/Single+Station+Punches&query=category

Or goto www.netmachinery.com and do a search.

Good luck

Andy

[SoCalTA]

I am not at all savy on this but just had to say that I saw these machines at an industrial show at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the very first time. After seeing what they could do to metal I was shaking my head all day long ... and was in a state of WOW. Aside from their power I was really amazed that they were able to do so much with such a small footpring. I kept thinking if I could just convince my fiance to relocate the washer and dryer outside I could make it fit.

[MAC702]

Originally posted by klsm54
Of course, smaller holes can be puched in thicker material

This reminds me of a good rule of thumb in punching. We shouldn't punch a hole that is less in diameter than the plate we are punching. If there's more to it, someone who punches a lot more often than me will have to chime in. But, it's bad to punch a 1/4" hole, for instance, in 1/2" plate. It's guaranteed to break the punch.

[klsm54]

I looked through all my Scotchman literature and books and couldn't find any information on the XL5075, but I would agree, it is probably a 50 ton model.

Scotchmen had one of the 110 volt Porta-Fab units at a show with our company last summer and I got to see it first hand. Pretty nice unit. 45 ton Punch Capacity for a little over $4,000. A great piece of equipment for the shop that doesn't have 3 phase power. It is the Porta-Fab 45, and you can get it in 110 volt or 220 volt single phase.

For reference on those looking at used equipment a 40 ton Scotchman will punch an 1" hole in 1/2" material, a 50 ton unit will punch a 13/16 hole in 3/4" material, a 65 ton machine will punch a 1-1/16" hole in 3/4" material, and a 90 ton will poke a 1-1/16" hole in 1" material. Of course, smaller holes can be puched in thicker material, and larger holes will reduce the thickness capabilities.

My customers that have Scotchman Ironworkers would probably fight pretty hard before giving them up. They are a really handy piece of shop equipment. Besides punching the can be used as a brake, a pipe notcher, a shear and a few other things too. One of those things that make you wonder how you ever got by without it, after you have one.

[HAWK]

timw,

It sounds like an earlier model of a 50 ton press, but don't know for sure. You might contact Scotchman. They are also making 1 phase site portable ironworkers. I have not seen one work, but they look well built. Here is the contact link:

http://www.scotchman.com/contact_info.php

[timw]

HAWK

Are you familar with a Scotchman XL 5075, I have one offered to me at a good price, I haven't seen it yet. I tried a google search and couldn't find anything on it. Rough estimate on value?

[HAWK]

A few of the dies for the Scotchman Ironworker. See attached.

[aametalmaster]

Meadjug,
Good now we have somewhere to start. 1/4" stainless takes more tonnage than 20 ga. Prob 15 to 20 ton. Thats a good size press. Plus you will need a couple different bottom dies for the clearance smaller clearance on the thinner metal. Email me offline if you need more info..Bob [email protected]

[meadjug]

Re: punching holes in SS

Originally posted by meadjug
Thanks for letting me join this forum.

I have been out of welding for 20 years,I need help.Can someone advise me on the most economical way to punch 1/8"-1/4" holes in 400SS?

Sorry about not enough information.Metal thicknes is from 20ga.-1/4" thick.The holes are for hinge pins.I plan to make anywhere from 350-500 of the parts.

[aametalmaster]

Hey Hawk, My buddy has a nice punch press for sale cheap. $250.00 You can email me offline I can get pics..Bob [email protected]

[HAWK]

Bob,

I wish I had known. The Scotchman is nice as is the Burny CNC controller with the Hypertherm G3 1250 plasma, but hey who's counting? Some of the toys are at my buddy's shop, but the rent is free!

[aametalmaster]

Hawk no problem, at least we are on the same brainwave. LOL. I have punched a zillion holes in the last 25 years, both for the sheetmetal shop I worked at and for myself. Just sold my 5 punch presses. Bob

[HAWK]

Bob,

We must have posted about the same time. My apologies if I repeated you. I did not see your post until I submitted mine.