drilling templates

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I am a novice fabractor, welder, etc.I am building u-bolt flip plates for my 4x4 rig and my buddies rig. I am drilling 1/2 diameter holes in 1/2 steel plate. Is it bad technique to use a completed plate for a template to drill through? I was even thinking to tack the template to a fresh plate before drilling.  Is this an ok practice? I would normally use trial and error to determine something like this but I am bored at work.ThanksJshlitz
Reply:Why don't you use a transfer punch to mark the hole centers through a new part on to the material you need to drill?   That way, you don't risk wallowing out the holes on a good part.  Use a drill press, if you have one.  Transfer punches are cheap enough.  Even a Harbor Fright set would work OK for this purpose.  But I can't recommend their Chicom drill bits.
Reply:Pick up a set of transfer punches.  They are inexpensive and very handy.You place the template and the material back to back, and place the appropriate transfer punch in the hole (they are sized in increments of 1/64" dia.) and smack with a hammer, leaving a dimple for your lead drill.
Reply:Ahh ok. A transfer punch. I will have to pick up a set.  Oh and I am using a drill press. A HF benchtop.. So far it seems fine for my level. ThanksGuysshlitz
Reply:The problem with templates is that they wear.  To overcome the wear on the template it must be overbored to accomodate a drill bushing.  Then you will have a template useful for hundreds of drilling operations.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Originally posted by toyotaj Ahh ok. A transfer punch. I will have to pick up a set.  Oh and I am using a drill press. A HF benchtop.. So far it seems fine for my level. ThanksGuys
Reply:Here's a closeupRemember if you use them strike the punch gently, just to make a mark. Then go back and center punch it. Make you center punch mark as wide as the webb of the drill bit you will be using. This is so your drill bit won't wander.HF Expert Jim Attached ImagesLast edited by fla jim; 02-19-2004 at 05:48 PM.