15 replies to this topic

[Pablo]

I'm wondering if anybody knows what tool the factory used to punch those rectangular mounting slots on Bandits?

Up to now, I've been using a home made custom template gizmo and cutting them with a combination of harpoon, XActo knive, and a mini-reamer on a dental drill.

 

 

It's tedious. I have 13 Bandits in front of me and wish I had a perfect punch to go "boop boop boop boop" and done.

 

Thanks

 

Pablo

[Martin]

I believe I know how you would do it in production. But even 13 is not enough to pay for a production tool. 

 

I could build a tool that in my mind would locate on the bottom edge of the body and punch both slots at once, clean and crisp.

 

Dynamic probably had a tool that stamped axle and guide clearance plus slots all with the same punch tool.

[Pablo]

Thanks Martin. (can you check the landfills for me?  )

 

I found this online company, I may ask for a quote for a simple rectangle cutter made to size

 

https://onlineriver....custom-punches/

[MattD]

A scrap bookers punch would be great if they made the right size.     T got a 1/8 X 1/2.  I took it apart to see if it could be  modified.   The male part is easy to grind down the right size.   The female half needs to actually be replaced with a die the exact size of the male punch for a clean slot.    I thought, maybe I can weld it up and re-cut, but I don't a have a mill, which is probably required to re-cut the slot.   Of course it needs to be a perfect fit.    I gave up that idea.   

 

Next I got two Exacto blades and spaced them properly for 1/16 inch.   I figured maybe a hammer and  block of wood might be effective.   I haven't tried that yet.   I also got a 1/16 scrap booking punch.    I figure to do each end with the punch.   Even being rounded, it would be acceptable to me as opposed to a hacked out slot, which is what I usually do.

[Martin]

I bought that same tool Matt is talking about, but ended up with modified blades to do the job I needed.

 

You are on the right track to have a hand punch made. Please see if it is cheaper to maker more that one, if you get my drift.

Let me know if you need specs on the stock tang size I have ordinals and my repos to come up with the perfect size slot.

 

By the way the stock factory mount does NOT fit well in a stock factory body. It is way too tight IMO.

This is why we see so many split just from the first install. Lets make it better than that.

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[Pablo]

I have a Martin brass mount gizmo here, that is what I based my template on. Tell me if this jives with what you know:

Martin mount, lengths of nubs .250, thickness .032

 

My gizmo is about .285 X .075 (it's worn out, I need to make a new one) That gives plenty of slop.

 

So I'd request a tool that makes a cut of about .270 X .050. That sound about right?

[Martin]

I was surprised that even Dynamic stock parts would be hard to assemble.

I will do a survey tomorrow. I have a few stock mounts and a few of mine. They should be the same. But I will post my findings. 

Based on the numbers I get I will give you my recommendations.  It may be closer to .260" X .045" That would give a .010" clearance in both directions.

I will revisit that Tomorrow .

 

Did you notice my brass plate (super gizmo) used to get the slot to slot spacing correct to the axles positions.

If it is of help to you,I can send it your way ?

[Pablo]

Thanks but I don't think I need it. The notches are marked on Gene's bodies and so far every time it's come out perfect. Both Renegades and Bandits.

 

So I say the tool should cut .270 X .050, you say  .260" X .045".

That's close enough for the girls I play with.

 

I asked for a tool quote today at onlineriver.com

It would have to be custom built and would cost about $300   

[Martin]

The original and repo Bandit mounts are .035" thick and .250" wide. I measured a few of each including Renegades, all within a couple of thou of above numbers.

[Kim Lander]

Pablo...try this...with a cutoff disk mandrel used in the dremmels or any hand piece....get the  wheels that are used measure the thickness to match the slots needed...might take two diske...put them on the mandrel and turn hand piece with disks on a stone of some sort to make the diameter smaller....keep reducing the disks until they are same width as the slot needed for the mounts. Carefully use disks to cut slot much as starting a circular saw on a piece of wood....when the cut is made it should work fine...just a thought...Kim

[MattD]

I think I've found the best way to get a nice slot.   Of course, I've never been real particular as you all know.

[Pablo]

Pablo...try this...with a cutoff disk mandrel used in the dremmels or any hand piece....get the  wheels that are used measure the thickness to match the slots needed...might take two diske...put them on the mandrel and turn hand piece with disks on a stone of some sort to make the diameter smaller....keep reducing the disks until they are same width as the slot needed for the mounts. Carefully use disks to cut slot much as starting a circular saw on a piece of wood....when the cut is made it should work fine...just a thought...Kim

I understand it, but I can't see it working for me - one slip, and brrrup, ruined body.

 

Martin's punch in an XActo handle in post #5 looks like maybe my best bet. How well does it work for you, Martin?

And if it does, how did you make it?

[Martin]

I needed a safety net so I used the super gizmo to line up the 2 narrowed modified blades.

I had a wooden back up block placed in side the body so I could tap/push the blade and create square corners. 

Square corners in the correct place was my 2 main goals.

A punch would be great. But for $300 I would take a day and make one. It would punch both slots at the same time and locate off the finished bottom edge. 

[Martin]

We never did finish up this post with the tool we designed.  Larry's had the plates cut and I fit the teeth and aligned and welded the parts together to a set of parallel jaw pliers. 

Sorry we did not have this tool for Pablo's epic run, but I have done a few bodies now and they are better than factory, as in, not too tight.

Here are some pics of the tool, and some test cuts.

I have since shortened the fangs and they now have a modified shape of them so they cut at the outer edges first. Also the base plates have been narrowed and softened at the edges so there is less chance of scratching the inside of the body.

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[MattD]

And I have retired from doing any Dynamic stuff.    If I have any bodies left, I am sending them your way Martin!!!

[Martin]

It would make sense to do a batch this way to offset the cost of shipping. 

 

Probably the best solution is to use just the plate secured to the body and use as a guide. Similar to what Pablo did.