I have a metal base with a number of metric threaded holes of different sizes. What I need to do is accurately find the placement of the holes so I can drill the holes into a piece of wood.
How do I find the hole alignment of the metal base to the piece of wood?
I tried measuring the holes in the metal base and transferring this measurement to the wood. I tried this a number of times with scrap wood but always ended up with the holes out of alignment.
How would you solve this problem?
Thanks,
Burt
Replies
A set of transfer punches would work.
My suggestions:
1) put a bolt or screw in each hole. Put a dot of paint on each bolt/screw head and place your wood on top. The bolts or screw do no have to fit perfectly.
2) put a piece of paper on top of the holes. Transfer the hole pattern onto the paper by rubbing over the paper with a soft pencil.
Succes,
Gert.
FeeGee: I like the idea about the paper. I'll give that a try and see what happens.dgreen: what are transfer punches and how do they work?
28 Piece Transfer Punch SetSimple and effective way to mark the center of an existing hole onto a workpiece below.Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
Edited 5/26/2006 5:23 pm by dgreen
Harbor Freight has a set for $8. I think I will go in that direction.One set of holes are 8mm. The other set is very small, about 1/16". I don't know the metric equivalent and I can't get to that set for a while. Will the transfer set go that small?Thanks,
Burt
Harbor Freight's set goes down to 3/32.
Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
Where did you get your set? The box stores don't sell them.
I bought mine at a local tool peddler, most industrial supplies should have them they are very common in the metal working end of things. I am not to put it VERY mildly a fan of harbor freight but in this case you are only needing to mark wood and they should do well for you.
Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
Maybe I have not got the whole picture-but how about grinding screws/bolts to a point, screwing them in to each hole until you have suitable projection, then pressing the metal plate to the wood so that the points mark each location?
Paper template. Should be faster than reading all these responses!
Pete
For making new sub-bases for my routers I use Short stubby allen set screws that have a point on the end, about as easy and accurate as you can get. The transfer punches are great if you have access from above, but if not the set screws are the trick.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
AAhh the many ways to skin a cat, good ideas all.
Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves. ~Italian Proverb
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