Technical *TECH* Model A patch panels with a $27 power hammer ** Now with Video**

SCROLL to the bottom for a youtube video!!

This war era Version kick punch is a recent auction score. For $27 I couldnt pass it up. After getting it up and running I saw the potential for it to form profiles in sheetmetal. Namely for my use the lower body bead on 30-31 Model A bodies.

It has a trip clutch. When you hold the foot pedal down it strikes down at around 120 blows /minute. Not super fast so you need to move slow.

The upper die holder has an adjustable stroke depth that made it easy to "dial in"

My goal was to form some simple dies with a grinder and fit them to this machine to make Model A patch panels.

 

Here is how I used it to patch up a coupe door. I also rebuilt the door bottom with my Baileigh shrinker/streacher. Love this thing.<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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I hate reading long winded posts so I'll let the pictures do the talking.<o></o>
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Follow along and I will try to add a video too.<o></o>

 

OK lets form the bead













Wish I could take better pictures, but its a cool low buck tool none the less. Gonna work on a video.

Rob

 

Ill give you double your money. lol. Nice find man. Keep playing around with it.

 

man-o-man....it worked back in the day.....and your working it today - great job and save there buddie!!!

 

Wow, that is some really great work and thanks for the pictures.....

 

That is awesome. Recycling at its best, nice work.

 

Sweet!


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I say "You done good"

 

Very cool

 

Great looking repair. Question, how did you account for the arc along the door skin bottom? It appears that the bead was formed from a piece of SM that was formed with a bender.

 

Your post reminded me that I have an old motorized 3 ton punch press stored in my back room. I had not thought about using it like this. Great idea! I do most of this kind of work with my bead roller, but I can see some advantages with regard to making the dies for this machine.
Thanks!

 

Bump for tech week!

 

sweet!

 

cool, but no video of it in action
tk

 

damn that is amazing.

 

Very cool tech... I need to get me one those one day.

 

Heres a short video in action. Sorry it took so long.

 

More pics







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Thats awesome! What a score!

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Very cool, I like the video...

Neal

 

I like it a lot ! If I had it is have to raise it up about higher. Cool find and thanks for the video.

 

I've run plenty of those little presses years ago. Never thought of this. That's just neet a hell. I'll be on the look out for one now.

 

Rob, awesome work! You're getting my vote for Tech Week!

Do you have specs on the press? I'd love to find something similar but don't want something too big - this one seems about perfect for a home shop/DIY deal.

Thanks,
Steve

 

way to go rob, that is cool!

 

Great tech Thanks

 

love it!

but were you flipping me off at the end of that video?

 

How did you shape the dies and how critical was it to ensure an allowance for material thickness was made?

Steve

 

nice tool!