Sheet metal punches

[Armeg UK]

So, I've been having a look around at power tools seeing as I like 'em! And I've noticed some cordless hydraulic sheet metal punching tools for... well... punching sheet metal. They've taken the principle used by the Q-Max type punches and applied it to a power tool. The prices are off the scale (between £1000 and £2000) so you'd have to do some work with them to justify that outlay.

Now, that's got me thinking. The Q-Max type punches (https://www.mytoolshed.co.uk/brand/q-max/qmax/) have been around for as long as I can remember (I've been in the engineering industry for over 35 years). Do they still get used a lot and if so, what applications? Does anyone think they would be interested in a power tool based one that didn't need you to shell out four figures and would probably not even need you to purchase an additional power tool over the ones you already have?

Just curious. Yes, I am very interested in tools and yes, we're always kicking stuff about at Armeg towers

Phil.

 

[binky]

Never seen anyone use anything bar hole saws in our industry.

 

[roys]

I would say for every time I used a Qmax cutter I used a hole saw 99 times.
So yes I have used Qmax cutters but mostly used hole saws. Found Qmax cutters too slow, by the time you have drilled the pilot hole for the Qmax then put the bolt in and start tightening I would have been as well just battering through with the hole saw in one action.

 

[runningpiglet]

I use Q-max punches all the time - but for front panels and instrument cases - not electrical installations.

 

[Andy™]

q max often for holes in panals. far neater than a holesaw. straight through with a step drill (prevents it suddenly going through and into a cable) then qmax to finish.

for the larger sizes, something with a built in thrust bearing would be good. got a few on mine on the larger sizes (32+), but because they have to be unscrewed each use they need realigned. fix that problem and you're good

 

[kerching]

I use both, but holesaw more than Q max. Holesaw are crap,for square holes

 

[Armeg UK]

I would say for every time I used a Qmax cutter I used a hole saw 99 times.
So yes I have used Qmax cutters but mostly used hole saws. Found Qmax cutters too slow, by the time you have drilled the pilot hole for the Qmax then put the bolt in and start tightening I would have been as well just battering through with the hole saw in one action.

Cheers for that.
Question - You're never going to get away from having to use a pilot drill but if the tightening sequence was carried out by a power tool, would that be of more interest?

Phil.

 

[Armeg UK]

I use Q-max punches all the time - but for front panels and instrument cases - not electrical installations.

Yeah, I think if we were to bring anything to market it would definitely be of more interest to panel builders.

Phil.

 

[Armeg UK]

q max often for holes in panals. far neater than a holesaw. straight through with a step drill (prevents it suddenly going through and into a cable) then qmax to finish.

for the larger sizes, something with a built in thrust bearing would be good. got a few on mine on the larger sizes (32+), but because they have to be unscrewed each use they need realigned. fix that problem and you're good

Interesting, thanks for that.

You can't get away from using a thrust bearing for the higher torque and as you've seen the 3 part nature of the bearing doesn't lend itself very well to quick repeated use.

If I'm honest I don't think the power tool we had in mind to use with a product would necessarily be capable of punching above 32mm anyway, but food for thought.

Phil.

 

[Armeg UK]

I use both, but holesaw more than Q max. Holesaw are crap,for square holes

Very good point Kerch.

Just over to development now to suggest a square Acceler8 holesaw

 

[Armeg UK]

Interesting discussion this fellas. Thanks to everyone so far

Phil.

 

[roys]

Cheers for that.
Question - You're never going to get away from having to use a pilot drill but if the tightening sequence was carried out by a power tool, would that be of more interest?

Phil.

Still a couple of actions as opposed to just battering through with the hole saw, although as @kerching rightly points out it would be ideal for square holes especially battery powered.
Would you make your battery tool with adaption plates to suit say the main 3 or 4 battery systems, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Hilti for the posh people

 

[IzzyS]

Cheers for that.
Question - You're never going to get away from having to use a pilot drill but if the tightening sequence was carried out by a power tool, would that be of more interest?

Phil.

I tighten QMax cutters with a hex adaptor in my impact driver. Does the job far quicker than the using an allen key and I haven't broken any yet...

 

[Armeg UK]

Does anyone think they would be interested in a power tool based one that didn't need you to shell out four figures and would probably not even need you to purchase an additional power tool over the ones you already have?

Would you make your battery tool with adaption plates to suit say the main 3 or 4 battery systems, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Hilti for the posh people

@roys the answer to your question is in the original post

 

[Armeg UK]

I tighten QMax cutters with a hex adaptor in my impact driver. Does the job far quicker than the using an allen key and I haven't broken any yet...

Interesting

 

[Geoff1946]

QMax cutters. They've stood the test of time! Most of a lifetime ago I had a set corresponding to valve bases. 7 pin, 9 pin, and octal.

 

[roys]

@roys the answer to your question is in the original post

Ahhh didn’t fully understand what you were saying in your first post, I get it now, so will it be an attachment for our own drill? I can be a bit slow sometimes

 

[Armeg UK]

Ahhh didn’t fully understand what you were saying in your first post, I get it now, so will it be an attachment for our own drill? I can be a bit slow sometimes

 

[Apache]

Not a professional, but I like the punches. Makes it a doddle to enlarge an existing hole - I know there are tricks with holesaws stacked but not the kind I have. Less mess and very controlled.

A set of 20, 25, 32 (maybe 40?) would cover all the common electrical eventualities. I find they 'wander' and I can never find them when looking, but kits stay together, better.

Had never thought about using the drill or impact - usually use a 3/8 ratchet and suitable hex socket. Only thought is confined areas.

straight through with a step drill

Such a simple idea and one I'd never thought of. Had always matched drill size to hole. Thanks

 

[Zimmer]

I would be very interested, anything is better than a hole saw or a step drill, but not sure how you can do more, than what already exists.
As per earlier post, I too use existing punches with an impactor, works ok, cheapish and slow.
The “proper” hydraulic ones are much better apart from cost eg Greenlee/Klauke and of course the battery ones are perfect but hard to justify unless you are in the panel building trade.