Square punch

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Does anyone know where I can get a reasonably priced square punch? I’m thinking that if I had a square punch, it would be easy to punch out holes in plastic walls for windows & doors. Just draw the square for the window, punch out the corners then connect the squares.

Ideally, I’d get a set of them the same sizes that I typically use for windows… but that would be WAY too expensive.

I’ve looked at some hand-held ones but they don’t seem to reach very far into the plastic sheet. I’d like to have at least a 4" reach to be able to do a three-story building.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

dlm

2

Here’s a nibbler great tool for doing windows and doors

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=81477

3

Also from micromark. http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=81652

4

I’ve use one of these mortiser bits, without the auger, to cut window operings - just position it and tap it with a hammer. The 1/4 inch size is pretty good for HO scale windows. You may be able to get a used one from a cabinet or furniture shop. New, they are pretty pricy - like $40. Sources are rockler.com and woodcraft.com

I got mine (used) from the wood club I belong to. I even made a handle for it.

Here’s a picture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortiser

My dad used one of the micromark corner chisels (see previous post) with his drill press. It worked well for larger scales.

5

I have the Micro-Mark punch and used it to cut nearly 100 doors and windows out on wood and plastic when I scratch-built a western town. It works very well.

6

I’ve seen 90 degree chizels, cut your four corners, X-acto knife for the rest of the cut, windows any size you want.

Good luck,

7

Exactly how do you use them? My brother-in-law made one for me but I really can’t seem to get satisfactory results. It is perfectly square (90 degrees) but I’m missing something using it.

Do you use it on a block of scrap wood or something like that?

Thanks.

dlm

8

Mount it in the chuck of a drill press. Use it with the drill press NOT running. Place a smooth block of wood on the back side to keep it from breaking through the wood.

9

I used it both in a drill press and by tapping it with a small hammer. You need something under the material to act as a cushion, such as a scrap of 2x4 pine; and don’t cut all the way through with the punch. Finish the cut with an X-Acto knife and straight edge.