gasket punch set ideas?

[Johnny A]

I was looking for a gasket punch set that has the sizes:
3/16" (5mm)
5/16" (8mm)
3/8" (10mm)
1/2" (12.5mm)
5/8" (16mm)
25/32" (20mm)
1" (25mm)
1-1/4"
1- 1/2
1-3/4
2" inch.

The kits are all over 100.00 that go over 1-1/4

I remember a forum on here that a guy made his own punch sets. I'm looking to make rubber gaskets.


Anyone with some DIY feedback?

Any help would be great....

All if you on the forum have bailed me out on several projects. Glad to have all of you to turn to.

 

[nickleone]

Plumbing pipe is measured inside up to 12 inches.
Buy some short 6 inch lengths of pipe and sharpen them for punches.
You might be able to use copper tube if your rubber is not too thick.

Nick

 

[Johnny A]

Nick,

GREAT Idea! I never thought of the copper pipe. I have a bunch of scrap. Thanks!
I knew someone would have an idea.
I will try it in the morning.

 

[sberry]

Bore a hole thru a piece of wood with holesaw, then inert material between it and another as a backup and saw lightly. Good for bigger custom sizes. They make a toolshop hole punch set to about an inch or so for 20$, get that and make larger custom ones as needed. As for copper,, pipe would work, steel conduit even better.

 

[Falcon67]

I take pieces of steel brake tubing to punch gasket holes in the 1/4 to 3/8 range. Cut a short length and sharpen one end on the belt sander.

 

[lilredex]

Just get some HF punches and custom cut the larger as Sberry suggests. Princess Auto has had those sets up to 3/4" sizes for similar $$.

http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-hollow-punch-set-3838.html

 

[Keithinsc]

For the small stuff I used spent ammunition cartridges. .22, .308, .40 etc. When they get dull or bent, I shoot some more!