Need some how to tips, putting holes in rubber

[greg g]

I am building some body mount isolators for my Studebaker Project (as of today the cab is basically in place on the frame with the engine) so I cut some conveyor rubber, and I am going to try to bond the pieces together then locate a build a hole for the fastener to go through. For adjustability the holes need to be elongated a bit.

So should I use increasing sized metal bits, the spade style bits like for wood, or my multi bit that makes the hole bigger the further you push it in.

Any other methods?

[Plymouthy Adams]

a Forrester bit may do the trick..else maybe a milling bit...

[tinlizzy]

What about a hole saw, come in different sizes. If you have a drill press and platform vise secure in vise and drill away.

[Oldguy48]

If the rubber is thin, you might sandwich it between two pieces of wood, and clamp it so the hole saw doesn't catch it and spin it around.

[greg g]

How about those little plug cutters use for making little wooden plugs for camoflaging screw holes in wood working???

[T120]

..Or maybe a gasket hole punch.I have a set,varying sizes.The cost was under $25.00 for the set.

[T120]

..I suppose if you're laminating the rubber you would have to punch each piece before bonding them.

[power_hungry]

Is it possible that a modified hocky puck could do the job? I keep a few on hand for such a job as this.

[Young Ed]

I used an old truck mud flap for body mounts and I just cut the holes with a box knife

[greg g]

Have seen puck used before, but i think they are a bit hard for this application. I do wan to have a bit of give between body and frame.

[dezeldoc]

At work we used tool that was like a gasket hole punch but it got chucked up in a drill, we did 1" belts this way with no problem. if you are going to use a couple of thinner pieces I would use a gasket punch and do the hole first then glue them together.

[greg g]

Each piece is about 3/8 thick, fabric reinforced, so I don't know if the gasket punch will do the trick.

[PatS....]

I have some of that conveyor belting from the asphalt plant I used to work at...great stuff.

The only way I found to cut reasonably clean holes was a hole saw.

It took a while and smelled awful, but it worked.

I used a metal cutting disc in the side grinder to cut straight lines...quick and smelly.

It's really tough material.

[Norm's Coupe]

Greg,

The best way to make a nice clean hole in rubber is to punch it out. That's how they do it in the conveyor belt companies. I have a friend that owns a belt company. They will make up different dies for each job to punch what every size hole/shape they need. Of course that's also done on a punch press once made. But.........you can make a punch for whatever you need at home too. I've done that before. If I want a punch for a round hole, I just find a pipe for that size hole. Then I grind the end of the pipe down sharp enough to punch through whatever. Then place the punch on the material and hit it a few times with a hammer. Thicker material you just use a BFH to hit the pipe with. If you want a square or oblong hole use a piece of square/rectangular tubing and grind it down sharp like the pipe. Only takes a few minutes to make your own punch.

[randroid]

Greg,

I used a saber saw to cut the walls from some used tires for a project, and it worked really slick. I don't recall what blade I used, but I think it was course. Didn't need a pilot hole; just cut down through the side and it was surprisingly accurate. I used the same method on a thick tractor tire, too.

-Randy

[dezeldoc]

We always used a box knife to cut the belt, make sure it has a new blade! and bend it a little as you go. the gasket punch will go through the 3/8 no problem or do as Norm says use a piece of pipe ground sharp, back it up with some hard wood and it won't dull the punch. don't use no little hammer use at least a 4lb short handle one.working in the rock and sand buisness for the past few years taught me some short cuts with that belting.