SparkFun Forums

[jqp123]

I really appreciate all the time you guys have spent on the reflow and stencil tutorials. Most informative. Something else I'd like to see; suggestions or a tutorial on a reasonably quick and easy way to cut a square hole in a plastic enclosure. I've tried coping saws, Dremel tools, hot knives, you name it. None of them are particularly satisfactory. The thing I want to try but haven't yet is a custom made 3 sided, U shaped chisel type punch. Align it and whack it with a hammer. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat. Why not 4 sided? To prevent the cutout from getting stuck in the punch and also for some adjustment as to opening size.

Anyone have a better idea

[meander]

use a nibbler just like i do

[jqp123]

A nibbler may be OK for small openings but for something larger like an LCD or kepad, it can be quite time consuming.

[d0c]

For larger (3/4" +) square or rectangular holes, the affordable hot ticket is to use a “knockout punch setâ€