Dimple die question

[LPoole]

Ok sheet metal question... I'm considering getting a set of dimple dies. How large of an arbor press would I need to use, let's say, a 2.5" to 3" die ? Thank you in advance.

[Mike C]

How thick of sheet metal do you plan on dimpling? 20ga a lot less press than 10ga...

Personally, the Harbor Freight 20 ton press probably the best way to go regardless as it gives you a lot of power for not a lot of money.

[LPoole]

My bad. What guage are the door panels on a 67-68 ? 18-22 or so ? 18-22 guage steel and/or aluminium...

[Mike C]

I'd consider the 20 ton HF press pretty much regardless. Will let you press on/off bearings and other projects in addition to the dimple dies. I think somebody may make one that you can dimple using a bolt setup?

May want to Google that or check out Pirate4x4.com for some dimple die projects and how they did them.

[midnight rambler]

check this tool out for dimple dies. I just bought 2 of the hydraulic guns.. need to get the dies and find something to dimple. http://www.hammerfab.com/page2/index.html

[LPoole]

Thx a lot for the info guys.

[kwmech]

My experience is get the biggest one that you can afford. 20 ton minimum

[Oldblue68chevy]

I've done 1/8" plat on my HF 20 ton. It did it but it was maxed out for sure. It worked well but just didn't have the grunt to really flatten the plate out. I had to kind of roll it into place as I welded it. I think it will work great for any thing under 1/8". Here is a pic of my chevelle frame that I made the plates for.

[69chevy lwb]

I do 3/16 with my harbor freight press it's no problem. The set I bought is made by Pacific customs and it's absolutely excellent and the full set is 350 ish .5"-3". Also if you do dimples on narrow pieces like box plates they will distort because there's not enough material to keep the shape. Here's a couple of my projects and I strongly suggest you get a plasma with hole stencils if you want to do anything more than sheet metal