Technical What Size Dimple Die, if You Can Choose Only One?

So, I've got a gift card and a want for dimple dies (punch and flare). I can probably only get one, maybe two. I want to use it to make a grille insert / punched track nose as well as use on bomber style seats.

What size do you guys think will get the most mileage?

I feel like 1" may be on the small size and 2" on the big size, but I'd like to hear opinions from guys that use them on what gets used the most for things like this.

 

I'm interested, so I'll keep this up top. Sorry for being of zero assistance.

 

I personally like the two inch no real reason just personal preference I used them on my Plymouth build for the door panel inserts. Hobo Jim

 

If I had to buy a die it would probably be 1 1/2". I saw a You Tube video on how to do it cheap that looked interesting. The guy used a hole saw to cut the hole then centered the hole over a slightly bigger pipe nipple then took a welding bottle cap with the round end on the hole and pressed the bottle top into the hole with a shop press. It made a nice flared hole.

 

Thanks guys, keep em coming!

Right now I'm looking at an Allstar Punch and Flare since it's an Amazon gift card and these are what they've got.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

I bought a 1-1/2" die first and added a 1-1/4, and then a 1" later. I use the 1-1/2" more than the other two, but it just depends on what you are doing/building. Whichever one you get, be sure to keep the edges oiled as well as the bolt. Also wipe them off after every hole punched and formed and they will last a good long time.

 

I have the 1" and 1 1/2" and 2" and I use them all a lot to make bomber seats and furniture.I use them on .063 aluminum and 18 gauge steel. I bought mine from Miter Brothers at the racer show in Syracuse Fair Grounds.

 

Have a full set of Miter Brothers . I get calls for the 1 1/2 the most . Have fun they really are nice .

 

Do you guys mean mittler brothers?

 

For your purposes, 1.5" or 1.75" would be good.

These are plain 1.5" holes (no dimples) in the grille insert and 2.5" dimpled holes in the visor.
Hope this helps.

 

Thanks a bunch, guys! It's looking like 1.5" and 2" are the hot sizes. Your answers and input have been VERY valuable to me.

I just splurged a little and ordered these two sizes, so now this thread can sit around for the next guy who has the same question.

 

I figured I should update this thread with what I did with the dies I bought.





https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/modified-lakester-build-thundercasket.751582/page-14

 

Doesn't matter what size you buy - you'll never have the right one !

 

SO TRUE! I WANT THEM ALL!

I'm actually planning to get some smaller ones soon, starting with a 1" die to make some tread steps.

 

Heads up, looks like Speedway has gotten in on the hole flaring game and their reviews look good.

I'm kinda glad about this because the prices on these are good and it's an easy way to shop for a variety of sizes. As long as you have a way to cut good holes, these look like a good way to go to me.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Sheet-Metal-Dimple-Dies,280077.html