Does anyone know of a good source for Step bit for Cornet

Julien43 · « **on:** 29 Jan 2005, 07:14 pm »

I haven't had much luck finding one. The ine I found that seemed to go large only went to 1 3/8" @ $85!! ouch. Maybe an alternate method that would give good results?? TIA

hagtech · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Jan 2005, 03:48 am »

Best price I ran across was at amazon.com. For some reason, these things don't come cheap.

I bit the bullet and bought several of the Greenlee punches. They work so much faster and make even better holes.

For larger holes, like 4" diameter, it just takes elbow grease. I use a small bit and drill near the outline. Snip it out, and then take a file to it. In an hour you have a decent hole.

jh

rotcoddam · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Jan 2005, 04:12 am »

If you know an electrician, he should have the Greenlee punch sizes that you need. Another option is to rent the punches from a rental yard or maybe even call an electrician and see how much he would charge to punch your holes.

Eric H · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Jan 2005, 04:35 am »

On my aluminum Hammond chassis I used hole saws since I already had them. I'm pretty sure they are the cheapest thing to buy. I originally got them to build guitar amps where the chassis is hidden. On my Cornet and Clarinet they worked fine, although they needed a bit of touch-up with a rounded file to square up the edges of the holes. I also painted my chassis with the hammered type paint, and that covers up scratches and other flaws. I haven't tried a step bit and I've always heard the Greenlee punches are great but $$$. Good tools are always nice to have, though. Good luck...

Julien43 · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Jan 2005, 06:54 pm »

Like a fool I allready commited to buy one at a higher price, but couldn't help but to keep looking.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50383&item=4353141317&rd=1

GRD · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Jan 2005, 06:05 pm »

I picked up a number of stepped bits in various sizes off e-bay. I found the e-bay prices to be the best. I find the bits work very well in sheet aluminum - nice round holes. I use a bit of oil (WD40) to lubricate when drilling. I prefer the stepped bits for holes 1/4 inch and larger as the holes come out round. And you can use the next largest step to ream any burr left after drilling (I just do this trimming holding the drill bit by hand).

mac · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Jan 2005, 07:01 pm »

Quote from: Julien43

Like a fool I allready commited to buy one at a higher price, but couldn't help but to keep looking.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50383&item=4353141317&rd=1

Good luck. The "TITANIUM" step drill bit set I bought off ebay would hardly drill through cardboard let alone aluminum. I ended up using a hole saw on my Cornet.

GRD · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Jan 2005, 08:43 pm »

I should qualify my experience. The "Titanium" bits I purchased on e-bay worked for me on 1/16 inch (0.063) aluminium sheet, type 6061-T6. I had no problems. YMMV.