Thin synthetics don’t work particularly well with traditional punches. And frayed edges on woven fabrics have their own problems.
This hole punch uses heat to melt through plastic material. For woven material, the cut edge edge is sealed so fraying does not occur. Not sure why such a device is not available, so I had to make my own.
See the pictures for holes in a water bottle and a seat protector.
I made this to make holes in the thin reflective woven mylar-like material used for photo reflectors. This thin material is very hard to punch with a traditional punch. The melted cauterized edges give the holes enough strength I don't need to install grommets. I have also used this to make holes in plastic toner cartridges to refill them. It will work on most thermoplastics, but will not work on thermosetting plastic such as epoxy or lexan. Probably would not work well on acrylic.
I build these based on a nice true temperature controlled soldering iron I have sourced. This is not a variable wattage iron, it is a true temperature controlled unit. It heats up quickly and holds a stable temperature. It is adjustable from 356 F (180 C) to 930 F (500 C).
You will need to experiment on a scrap of material to find the best temperature for your use. For thin material like my application, lower temperatures work best. For nylon material such as used for back packs a somewhat higher temperature works best. Having an adjustable temperature iron makes this a flexible tool.
Each iron is tested by me (with the soldering iron tip) before shipment. I back these units with a 4 month warranty.
What’s included:
- 80 Watt Temperature Controlled Iron with LED display
- Soldering tip
- Threaded Tip Adapter
- Button head screw and star washer
- Hex key for attachment screw
- 7/16" (12mm) round cauterizing hole punch tip
- 9/16” (14.5mm) round cauterizing hole punch tip
- 11/16 x 5/16” (17x9mm) oval cauterizing hole punch tip
- Simple iron stand
- Basic stainless steel tweezers (for removing the hole from the tip)
- Sponge for use to clean soldering tip (not for use with cauterizing tips)
- Operating Guide showing how to attach the tips, adjust the temperature and guidelines for differing plastic materials.
Not included: Long nosed nosed pliers needed for tightening the tip screw when changing punch tips.
Please specify if you wish this shipped with one of the round punch tips installed (by default it will have the oval tip installed).
Contact me if you need other types of punch tips. Also, I contact me if you wish to purchase a spare threaded adapter and tube assembly to allow switching rapidly between tips.
IMPORTANT STUFF (please read before bidding):
I strive for satisfaction. Please read the following to give you realistic expectations as to what I can do for you.
Unless otherwise stated, I offer flat rate shipping. Please take the shipping amount into account when bidding - this allows you to know exactly how much you will be paying for the item in total.
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No shipments outside the 50 states (and DC) of the USA.
ONLY exception: If you are on a US military base outside the 50 states contact me with shipping address IN ADVANCE of the auction closing, and I will see if I can do it. In this case the quoted flat rate shipping will not apply. I will bill you the exact USPS charges.
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Most, or all, of the components used to assemble this kit are made in China. Some modifications as well as assembly are done by the seller in the USA.
Returnable within 30 days only if unused and in original condition. Buyer pays return shipping. 120 day warranty requires prepaid return of the item.