11 replies to this topic

[CBJ805T]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a sheet metal Joggler and see you can buy them with or without a hole punch. The hole punch is typically 5mm and I wondered whether this was considered big enough for a plug weld? If not then the 'non hole punch' option is cheaper

while I'm on the subject, if not 5mm is not big enough what size hole do you recommend?

Thanks

Chris

Edited by CBJ805T, 28 March 2013 - 12:29 PM.

[olds_kool_lews]

5mm is fine, i wouldnt go any smaller, and it depends on what drill bits you have to hand, just dont go for the biggest you see 1st lol

[alex-95]

I don't think it's big enough, I usually have them about 6mm, I'd get 2 scraps of metal and drill a couple of different size holes in it then practice a couple of times in them.

[lrostoke]

If find the hole a bit small, so just punch 2 side by side so they overlap.

[CBJ805T]

on balance is it worth getting one with the punch or shall I just use a drill?

[Ethel]

The hole size would also depend on the sheet & wire thicknesses, but you can do as lrostroke suggests, or chase the hole out. Punching is loads quicker than drilling and doesn't leave you with burr.

[lrostoke]

punching was a god send, before it was dot punch, then go back and drill, normally a 2 man job as well

[sonikk4]

Wherever i can i use 6.3 mm holes drilled or if space is restricted then a 5 mm drill. If you drill from the opposite side the burr will be on the side you grind down so no problems. Also the amount of power you use when you plug weld makes a big difference.

Having never done a shear test comparing 6.3 mm to 5 mm holes and different power ratings with the plug welds then what is best is a moot point. Preferably i use 6.3 mm holes on a high power setting. This will guarantee a solid weld every time.

A hole punch is fine but when you have arthritis starting in your hand in can get painful after a while especially doing a quarter panel. One inch spacing is a lot of holes.

[Ethel]

The burr will attract the arc so it's best removed. You could clamp the tool in a vice so you don't have to grip the handles, you could even convert it to foot operation with some Wallace 'n Grommet engineering

[mini danny]

I always use 6mm and if possible I even use 8mm for rear valance and where outta sills weld to floor/inner sill


Danny

[sonikk4]

The burr will attract the arc so it's best removed. You could clamp the tool in a vice so you don't have to grip the handles, you could even convert it to foot operation with some Wallace 'n Grommet engineering

Yes you do get a burr however if you use a good quality Cobalt drill bit then you don't have as many issues. Also i dress down the holes first with a hammer and dolly. Again this is my personal preference and suits my needs. If i was doing this for a living then i would use some sort of powered hole punch for the speed side of it.

My hole punch has a small nick in the punch which creates a burr so another reason why i no longer use it. The joggler yes although i have another technique for joggling without the use of a tool.

[chrisj]

I've found 6mm works best for me, I don't think I would go any smaller. I always drill mine as I haven't invested in a punch yet, clean up the hole a bit and away I go.