Punching/drilling holes in brass banding for cylinder lagging

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

Hi all,

I'm finishing off the build of a Stuart Beam and need to put a fixing hole in each end of the two brass cylinder-lagging bands.

Hole size is 7BA clearance ie about 2.55mm or so.

The medium hard brass banding is 0.5mm x 5mm

Ideally I'd like to use something like 'leather belt hole pliers' but suitable for brass and with a selection of punches – say, 1mm dia to 4mm dia.

I've tried drilling but, as expected, it tends to make a bit of a mess. I could drill a 1mm hole and open it out with a needle file but that takes time, and I do like to find the quickest, simplest way forward

Regards,

Ches

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Sandwich the brass between some steel or wood and drill through the sandwich. Works for me.

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

Andrew,

Thanks. I had thought of that but wondered if there was an easier (ie lazier ) way of doing it. I'll probably give your suggestion a go though.

Ches.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

If you have not already drilled the cylinder think of using a smaller size fixing as 7BA is a bit chunky. On that sort of size engine I tend to use 10BA or M1.6. I don't get problems drilling these clearance holes for this with the strip clamped to a bit of MDF

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

Jason,

I've already drilled and tapped the holes at 7BA. However I'm using 'one size down' hex head screws so they look OK. But you are right, 10BA would have been even better…next time

Andrew's idea worked a treat …two bits of metal with a hole drilled through both and the brass clamped between. I'll also have a test go at using MDF+clamp.

Ches

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

There is a tool made for this job it is to punch holes in metal. You could copy design or buy one. There are diferent sizes made.

David

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

Hi George,

Just some thoughts on your post for helping beginners.

If I may make suggestions for constructing the above screw punch. Stamp punched hole size each end as per piccie. The screws made from silver steel with the punch end drilled out tapered – centre drill?? Harden and temper light straw at business end so it will do thin steel sheet/.strip poke it thro a spud for heat treatment.

John

Edited By DMB on 26/08/2022 08:50:16

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

David, John,

Thank you for the ideas. I'll have a look at them.

Andrew's suggestion has solved my immediate need but I'm always keen to hear opinions.

Ches

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