Jigs

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Greetings - first time post to this forum.I need some advice on what the most time efficient way I can mass product a 1" wide x 1 1 /2" long piece of 3/16" flat strip metal with a 3/8" hole in the middle.  Right now we shear each piece off individually in our Scotchman Iron Worker then punch the hole or drill the hole.  I get real nervous when punching a hole with such a small piece from a safety issue.  Is there any type of jig that can be easily fabricated for either an iron worker or a drill press where you start with a long stock, say 5' long, press or drill your holes first then cut or shear the pieces second.  I am looking for a jig that will allow me to move my long stock side ways 1 1/2" each time so it will be position percisely for the next hole without having to measure for each hole?  Hopefully I am explaining myself correctly.  Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Marc
Reply:Sound similar to punching holes in hand rails for balusters.  My jig is a guide to keep the material straight and a locater pin that I insert the first hole over.  Each successive is places over the locater and the result is holes of equal distance apart.
Reply:Perfect.  I think I can make that work.  Thanks for your advice.
Reply:Using a vertical mill to 'drill' with might be better as it has a longer table and can support a better jig. Use some kind of heavy channel clamped to the table and have appropriate holes in it for the drill or milling cutter, and for a locater pin which is attached to the quill so that it enters the last-made hole well before the drill reaches the strip. This beats having the pin in the jig and having to raise and lower the strip each time. The locater pin can be tapered to make entry easier. The first hole will need to be located and drilled 'manually', of course. A similar arrangement should be possible for the shearing too, as Tapwelder stated above.