Cutting Bolt Holes With Plasma

Cutting Bolt Holes With Plasma, plasma cutting holes in steel can be a right pain if you are doing it freehand. Most people will use a cnc plasma cutter table and you will get a perfect round hole every time.If you have ever tried plasma cutting bolt holes without a guide you know that it's not as easy as it looks. So i have made a simple tool out of some old steel and two large washers. Cutting small holes with plasma cutter doesn't have to be a nightmare anymore as you can make your own tool in under 5 minutes.
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[@Phookinell]

Just a thought…. - Does the size of the hole in the tip determine the cutting area of the arc? If so, would a wider hole in the tip give a useable small bolt hole by just blasting it and not moving the torch?

[@jvazquez53]

excellent idea! I'll make one tomorrow! Hello from Puerto Rico!

[@petestools]

cool mate wow , Puerto Ricco

[@tommuenster5939]

Many thanks from an Yank, Pete! Cheers, Mate!

[@petestools]

LOL cool Tom from old nz git

[@drewhodge3820]

You need to clamp it in place to stop it moving. It will give you a cleaner round hole.

[@petestools]

thanks

[@stukyu]

Just put a couple of tacks on your template washer directly on workpiece. It won't slide around then grind the tacks off when hole is cut.

[@petestools]

good idea but it you have many holes to do that can get frustrating . cheers pete

[@stukyu]

@@petestools There is always a price to pay Pete in the pursuit of excellence. Keep making great vids mate. Sharing ideas and tips help all the shed men in the world advance. So how about we advance your brilliant straight edge with the magnets in ? That works really well and gets the job done. How about we make a template with the most common size holes that we use for bolts, pins etc. A bit like an architect used to use a radius aid many moons ago before Autocad. We drill different size holes in a strip of 3/4mm plate, add your magnets, mark the size of each hole then can use just like your straight edge, it would be worth the time and would save us the time of digging around the shed for the right size washer etc when we need to do it quick. Of course you make a vid in your unique style and the world will be a better place : )

[@stephengrimmer35]

@@petestools or vice grip the flat bar to the sheet. Will also free up your other hand to keep the cutting tip perpendicular.

[@jamesr.9239]

Hi Pete. Doesn't the tip arc over to the washer and cause erosion of the tip O.D.? Wouldn't a non conductor such as phenolic or masonite (thin fiberboard) facilitate a better experience?

[@petestools]

Yea but that's all i could find LOL

[@jeffcamp481]

Simplicity is genius! Thanks Pete!

[@petestools]

Sure is!

[@percyroach5195]

Hi Pete Ive been following your videos and have gathered a wealth of information on the use of plasma cutters from you. Much tks.

[@petestools]

Cool, thanks

[@fredpolice2711]

Such a simple solution, thanks again Pete. Great

[@petestools]

Glad you like it

[@Matey-850cc]

Thank's for the great idea. I need to make lots of 1/4" holes in 1/4" plate and drilling them would take forever. I found a couple of large thick fender washers and will make the jig tomorrow. I have cut holes with my plasma cutter before and they were a disaster 😞. I think your idea is going to make a huge difference. Thanks again mate.

[@UtkershSanehi]

I learnt something new today.... Thanks pete

[@petestools]

cool

[@chrismclean8211]

Just clean up the holes with a step drill

[@petestools]

never tried a step drill cheers for ideas

[@atran3462]

Great

[@petestools]

cool thanks

[@forrestgump105]

Try to always go in a counter clockwise motion that’ll help

[@petestools]

thanks

[@kiyotakakaneko3602]

I think the hole is too big. Not many people need big Bolt holes.

[@petestools]

Hi well that depends what you are working on., Just use a smaller washer for smaller holes.cheers pete

[@cdrom1070]

tempting because I am tired of being in the chip-hara desert

[@cdrom1070]

only thing that can make it better, is to glue on some hard drive magnets

[@cdrom1070]

and if you make the starting hole in the reamer size, if its good enough quality (i.e. good consumable, clean shop air actually demoistured), it might be good enough to make a reamer starting hole, then you can just ream it with a drill and have a really perfect hole

[@petestools]

good idea

[@kevinklei3005]

Clamp it clamp it CLAMP IT at 9.13 and 10.15 you can clearly see you move your jig while part way thru the cut .

[@petestools]

great tip

[@alanhughes1262]

ya got that one worked out

[@petestools]

thanks

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Brilliant thanks buddy

[@petestools]

Any time!

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you.

[@petestools]

You're welcome!

[@donlocklear5769]

Awesome Pete i know what I'll be making very soon Thanks..

[@petestools]

Great!