Does any one know the tool that is used to make the flair part in the holes. I forgot the tool and need to purchase one. Also does anyone know a place that will water jet braces and brackets.
Hydro fab will water jet, the tool is a punch and die but you can make your own
the tool is pretty cheap! its a drill, and u only let the head of the bit counter sink into the hole 
i dont know of any places that water jet, but we have an iron working machine that can punch holes and shear and shit, as well as a big mofo break… whatcha need done?
anyone have any links for the tool.
^^^ that would be true if it was plate material
in this case, its a flare to make the part stiffer after the holes are cut. male and female dies with a centering ring that locates it in the holes before stamping
and when it comes to lightening holes, theres spacing requiremnts for maximum strength. best place to look for info on that is probably home built airplane forums, they would know about proper spacing, proper sizing, and proper bell mouth angle / size
anyone have any information?
why is waterjet so expensive to run, moreso then laser? i would think programming would be the same for either, and neitehr has any consumable (cept electricity)
I believe the waterjet has a much higher initial cost than a laser.
laser or water cutting will cost a shit ton. Your best bet is cutting it with a plasma cutter, then smoothing it with a grinder. Expect to pay 1000 bucks for all the plates. OR DIY for 50.
The holes are punched with a two step punch. They are available for cheap here:
http://www.mittlerbros.com/Punches.htm
thanks newman. i have my plasma cutter and i will just make wood temp. and cut them out.
Dan, what material are you looking to get cut and what thickness?
There are plenty of other things that have to operate beside just cutting a material. You have water pumps w/abrasive as well as gas for the laser. They don’t just get plugged into a wall.
The biggest difference,maintenance costs are higher on a waterjet. On thinner gauge material, expect 25%-30% higher pricing than laser. That percentage gets higher with thicker materials
those are cool!
You’re welcome, i was surprised how quickly i found them.
They were the first result for FLARE PUNCH, there may have been more, cheaper…
not yet, have not looked, want to go half on a kit. then i will buy the other half when your done?
I would sooo put it in her butt.
I don’t really need them. I don’t think there is going to be much gusseting on my cage.