The Murphy Builders Site

Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:22 pm**

I like using a dremel for stuff like this.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Walls" <snowyrvr@mtaonline.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:25 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

Anyone come up with a neat, easy (or not so easy) way to cut narrow slots
in
the metal? I'm cutting the holes for the strut attaches, ST-39, (starting
to know some part numbers now) in the bottom of the elevator and the
opening
is smaller than my nibbler and too small for my snips. I experimented
with
a chisel but didn't like the way it treated the edges. My best guess is
chain drill and file.

Zero degrees and windy; a good day to be inside working on R207. Thanks,
Craig

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Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:22 pm**

Yes chain drilling and filing works about as fast as anything for small
openings.

I've used a 3/16 or 1/4" burr in the dremel and a 1/2" burr in a die
grinder a fair bit as well. They need an occasional drop of oil to keep
them from loading up. Anything to reduce the filing though - including
sanding the edge with a dremel where you can. Larger sanding drums in
the drill for bigger openings. Belt sander for edges.

A hand nibbler will take out about a 1/8" wide slot and get into places
where snips won't. For a couple of dollars it was good to have around.
You still need to sand or file the edge though (same as when using snips).

Ken

Mike Davis wrote:

I like using a dremel for stuff like this.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Walls" <snowyrvr@mtaonline.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:25 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

Anyone come up with a neat, easy (or not so easy) way to cut narrow slots
in
the metal? I'm cutting the holes for the strut attaches, ST-39, (starting
to know some part numbers now) in the bottom of the elevator and the
opening
is smaller than my nibbler and too small for my snips. I experimented
with
a chisel but didn't like the way it treated the edges. My best guess is
chain drill and file.

Zero degrees and windy; a good day to be inside working on R207. Thanks,
Craig

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Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:22 pm**

I drill the corners and then use a ceramic cut wheel in the dremel.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken" <klehman@albedo.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:57 AM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

Yes chain drilling and filing works about as fast as anything for small
openings.

I've used a 3/16 or 1/4" burr in the dremel and a 1/2" burr in a die
grinder a fair bit as well. They need an occasional drop of oil to keep
them from loading up. Anything to reduce the filing though - including
sanding the edge with a dremel where you can. Larger sanding drums in
the drill for bigger openings. Belt sander for edges.

A hand nibbler will take out about a 1/8" wide slot and get into places
where snips won't. For a couple of dollars it was good to have around.
You still need to sand or file the edge though (same as when using snips).

Ken

Mike Davis wrote:
I like using a dremel for stuff like this.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Walls" <snowyrvr@mtaonline.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:25 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

Anyone come up with a neat, easy (or not so easy) way to cut narrow
slots
in
the metal? I'm cutting the holes for the strut attaches, ST-39,
(starting
to know some part numbers now) in the bottom of the elevator and the
opening
is smaller than my nibbler and too small for my snips. I experimented
with
a chisel but didn't like the way it treated the edges. My best guess is
chain drill and file.

Zero degrees and windy; a good day to be inside working on R207. Thanks,
Craig

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Posted: **Sun Feb 19, 2012 4:22 pm**

All great solutions...I have the means to try all of them. My nibbler needs
a 3/8" hole so it's out but the others are definitely an option. How much
space should I leave around the strut where it pokes through the skin?

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Wayne
G. O'Shea
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:04 AM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

I drill the corners and then use a ceramic cut wheel in the dremel.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken" <klehman@albedo.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:57 AM
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

Yes chain drilling and filing works about as fast as anything for small
openings.

I've used a 3/16 or 1/4" burr in the dremel and a 1/2" burr in a die
grinder a fair bit as well. They need an occasional drop of oil to keep
them from loading up. Anything to reduce the filing though - including
sanding the edge with a dremel where you can. Larger sanding drums in
the drill for bigger openings. Belt sander for edges.

A hand nibbler will take out about a 1/8" wide slot and get into places
where snips won't. For a couple of dollars it was good to have around.
You still need to sand or file the edge though (same as when using snips).

Ken

Mike Davis wrote:
I like using a dremel for stuff like this.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Walls" <snowyrvr@mtaonline.net>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:25 PM
Subject: [rebel-builders] Slot cutting

Anyone come up with a neat, easy (or not so easy) way to cut narrow
slots
in
the metal? I'm cutting the holes for the strut attaches, ST-39,
(starting
to know some part numbers now) in the bottom of the elevator and the
opening
is smaller than my nibbler and too small for my snips. I experimented
with
a chisel but didn't like the way it treated the edges. My best guess is
chain drill and file.

Zero degrees and windy; a good day to be inside working on R207. Thanks,
Craig

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