School me on using dimple dies...

admin

Going to make a truck rack and would like to use metal that has been dimple died.looking to do @ max 16 gauge.What type of press do I need?How does the die punching work?i.e. do i predrill the hole with a circular drillbit?Then use the punch through the opening to shape it...ORThe punch and dies go right through the sheetmetal and create the hole and shapeing?Found dies here...Going to order some tonight...Something along the lines of this.... Attached ImagesLast edited by jsm11; 01-31-2011 at 08:58 PM.1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:Some dimple dies can only be used in a press others can be taken to the piece to be dimpled. The later have a nut/bolt that goes through both die halves and you tighten up the nut/bolt to form the dimple. These are imo much more versatile as they can be used in a press or taken to the part. You must drill or punch a hole for the dies to go into. i use a hole saw for this. Example if I am using a 1 1/2" dimple die I drill my holes with a 1 1/2" hole saw. Good luck and a fore warning dimple dies are addictive.
Reply:Single operation punch and flaring dies are available.  For single hole operation you need only drill the pilot hole and the die will both cut the punch hole and then form the flare.  They can also be set up in a press for a more production type run.Check with Jerry Gulley at http://www.gulleyperformancecenter.c...unch_flare.phpTell Jerry "Roger in Missouri" sent you.  Great guy to do business with.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:I have a set of Mittler Bros. dimple die set that just bolts together.  It's a nice set, but I would like to get a set for heavier metal stuff from JMR, I  think they are the ones who have the nicest dies around.  The only thing  with those is that you have to use a hydraulic press to dimple heavier material.---No good deed goes unpunished---
Reply:If you guys are looking for a set of dimple dies there is a place that sells a 3 size set for $100.00. they have 3/4 " 1 1/4 "and 1 3/4" dies.  Here is the site link: www.straightlineinnovations.comJohn
Reply:I use the Blair Equipment hole cutters. These leave a very clean and true hole compared to a regular hole saw.http://blairequipment.com/holcutters/holcutters.html
Reply:Hi If you check out this site Jim Stable converted a hydraulic pipe punch to a dimple die.http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=3378you may need to register to see the pictures have funtom Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterHi If you check out this site Jim Stable converted a hydraulic pipe punch to a dimple die.http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=3378you may need to register to see the pictures have funtom
Reply:I have had great sucess using Mittler Bros. dimple dies.  They are the screw together type, but work great.  I also use Jancy's Slugger http://www.vansantent.com/sheet_metal_cutters.htm to cut the holes.  These sheet metal hole saws work spectacular! to say the least.  These cut to size everytime I have used them, which helps when using the Mittler Bros. dimple dies, because the die locates off of the hole.     Now if you are going to do something a little heavier gage metal, then look at the I think it's JMR that makes the press type dies.  Good luck.---No good deed goes unpunished---
Reply:I have had great sucess using Mittler Bros. dimple dies.  They are the screw together type, but work great.  I also use Jancy's Slugger http://www.vansantent.com/sheet_metal_cutters.htm to cut the holes.  These sheet metal hole saws work spectacular! to say the least.  These cut to size everytime I have used them, which helps when using the Mittler Bros. dimple dies, because the die locates off of the hole.     Now if you are going to do something a little heavier gage metal, then look at the I think it's JMR that makes the press type dies.  Good luck.---No good deed goes unpunished---
Reply:jsm, where did that first picture come from and do you have any more of it. Looks like a cool set up and was hoping for some other views.ALW