There are few things more satisfying than punching sheet metal with a big hammer. There’s nothing quite like the sound of the hammer echoing off the metal, or the feeling of the weight of the hammer in your hand as it pounds in the punch. It’s an incredible feeling, and something that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Punching is a vital skill that you will need to maintain if you intend to remain a sheet metal worker. Punching is how you shape metal, and there is a large variety of punches available for various applications. Each of these punches has a unique size and shape that allows them to create a specifically shaped hole in the metal. With the right knowledge and proper tools, you will be able to create sheet metal parts that will fit together and function properly.
Preparations
Cutting sheet metal is a task that requires a steady hand and a steady mind. If you’re not prepared properly, you can end up injuring your hand or damaging your equipment. Properly punching up metal requires a high level of skill, and knowing the right way to do it is essential to a safe, efficient operation.
Clamp the Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is one of the most common types of metal found in construction. It is usually used for building roofs and walls, and other purposes where durability is needed. But, when you are using a sheet metal cutter to cut metal, you need to be careful. This is because it is easy to slip and cut your hand. It is also easy to cut your fingers if you are not careful. This is why you will need to wear a pair of safety gloves when working with sheet metal machinery.
Choose an Appropriate Punching Equipment
Punching equipment can be a very personal decision. The main thing to consider in the purchase of your punching equipment is the type of material it is made out of. For example, steel and wood are common materials when it comes to punching equipment, but there are also other options to consider when looking for a good quality set of punching equipment.
Manage the Slugs
For many of us, slugs are simply a nuisance. They tend to get in your way and you want them to move along. But they can also be a real pain on a punch press. That is because they can injure your punches, and even damage the press. You may think that dealing with slugs is simply a matter of prevention though. But the truth is, slugs are not always easy to control, and sometimes they are just a fact of punching.
Eliminate Pinch Points
In a pinch point, there is no uniform welding of the back of the metal, which can result in poor punching. If the back of your punch begins to slightly twist after a punch, you’re probably experiencing a pinch point. Punch pinch points can be eliminated by using an adequate amount of force when punching, and striking in the middle of the metal.