I need to find a rectangular punch

[rsanter]

I need to find a rectangular punch , greenlee 60031 or similar that does not cost a fortune.
I need to punch a hole that is either .73x1.053 or 1.21x.86

It will be used in aluminum and plastic so it does not need to be overly stout but good enough

It looks like this
View media item 49384
and it is for fitting one of these plugs into an aluminum case

View media item 49383
View media item 49382
if anyone knows of an alternative that is cheaper or has a used one for sale please let me know

bob

 

[astroracer]

I have done so MANY of those with an 1/8" drill bit, a Dremel and a file I could retire if I had a dollar for each one. Layout your opening (make a template with a piece of note card), Mark and drill your corners, cut between the holes with the drmel and file to fit. Should take you about a half hour.
Mark

 

[dutchgray]

Yep, I have done a couple with a drill & file as well, in soft material like aluminium or plastic its pretty quick. If you have a lot to do, just buy the Greenlee punch, or seek out a waterjet or laser cutter.

 

[rsanter]

The greenlee punch is very expensive, one option is that I was hoping someone would have a used one I could buy.
I will need to do 20-30 holes and likly another 20-30 later. That's why I was not thrilled about doing each individually with a drill and file

 

[dovco]

Drill hole. Nibbler.
20-30? Air nibbler. HF.

 

[signcrafter]

How much is the green lee die? If you have 60 to do I would probably just bit the bullet and buy the die. With that many to produce I'm guessing you aren't just doing this for yourself, so add the die cost into the cost of selling or making these for others.

Or if you really don't want to spend the money for the die then figure out another way. A dremel with cut off wheel, an oscallating tool with the right blade, drill bit and jig saw, or any of the many other ways.

 

[rsanter]

This is a project I am working with the high schools on (pathways project, prep students for going into specific technology areas) so I am not getting paid for it directly.
I don't mind a little money out of my pocket to make it better but don't want to spend $300 plus for a limited use item

Bob

 

[toplessHO]

contact Greenlee directly and see if they will "donate" to the high school.
If you get ahold of the right person they can "sample" it out.

 

[abk241]

Any chance you could go with a different 3-pin connector?
One that fits a standard size ko?

 

[GuyllFyre]

Use a square one and just move the punch over to cut the rest of the slug out.

 

[GuyllFyre]

Any chance you could go with a different 3-pin connector?
One that fits a standard size ko?

That is a standard size NEMA plug, forget the model but it's very common in computer power supplies, audio equipment, monitors, televisions, and lots of power bricks.

The sockets can be basically had for free by picking up computers from the curb and taking them out of the power supplies.

You could do it with a drill and a nibbler as well.

 

[7echo]

contact Greenlee directly and see if they will "donate" to the high school.
If you get ahold of the right person they can "sample" it out.

Done exactly this with many things. The trick is to find the right person. If the company is large enough there is a PR person or dept. Sometimes HR handles donations. Maybe start by trying to find the Greenlee rep for your area.