From: "Rod N0RC" <rod@....>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
Subject: HOWTO: Drilling Holes in Altoids Tins 
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 7:06 AM

Folks,

After posting about my Rocky Mountain "Rock-Mite",
http://www.frii.com/~rwc/r-m/ I was asked how I prepared the holes in
the Altoids tin. I figure if one person asked, others may have the
same question. So here it is, hope it useful to some...

First I measured and marked locations, then with a spring load
center-punch dimpled the tin (against a backer board). Next I drilled
1/8 inch pilot holes, again against a backer board. I then used a
taper reamer to enlarge the hole to the proper size. Finally I sanded
off any flashing/spurs with a Dremel tool.

Sounds like a lot of work, but it wasn't too bad. I don't have much
luck drilling large holes in thin metal, like the Altoids tins are
made
of. The bit sometimes grabs and messes things up.

Tool Sources

Reamer: Mouser, P/N 5876-44268
        Harbor Freight, P/N 38636-0VGA

Center Punch:   Harbor Freight P/N 621-0VGA
(Spring Loaded) Similar Item from Stanley,
                available at Home Depot...etc.


73, Rod N0RC