Dovetail Punches
What are dovetail punches?
Allpax dovetail punches are designed for quickly and easily making tight, interlocking joints for a gasket of any flange width. Dovetail joints offer superior tensile strength owing to their trapezoidal shaped pins & tails that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. This enhances the quality and workmanship of a structure or piece of furniture. In comparison to a series of nails or screws, the angles of the pins & tails are much more effective at providing structural strength.
These dovetail punches feature a tongue and groove design that fits tightly together, thus creating an interlocking joint between two pieces that resist being pulled apart in any direction, except one. This dovetail interlock guarantees a comfortable fit before compression. As soon as the gasket is under compression, the interlock seizes, eliminating any possible leak paths.
Browse through Raptor Supplies' online catalogue of Allpax dovetail punches to find the perfect tool for your needs. Made from durable & heat treated alloy steel, these Allpax dovetail punches have a finely honed cutting edge. As a result, the operator can extend the use of scrap by forming large pieces from smaller ones. Allpax dovetail punches also reduce labour cost by easily making only one cut without pre measuring, marking or scoring. They are capable of handling gaskets with thicknesses ranging from 3/4 to 3 inches. They have an open view design, so guesswork can be eliminated, since a clear view is available at all times, and waste of costly gasket materials can be significantly reduced. Allpax dovetail punches come with a padded rubber grip to offer maximum comfort during continuous operations. The operator can also use more than one piece of gasket material by dovetailing the pieces together.
Also check out our comprehensive range of punch and chisel sets from brands like Allpax, Westward, Dewalt, Stanley, Wright Tool & Proto.
Working Mechanism
How do you use Allpax dovetail punches?< br>
Allpax dovetail punches are ideal for cutting material smaller than the gasket to be cut. To use them, simply follow the steps below:
- Take a piece of paper or cardboard, then lay out the outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID) and bolt holes of the desired gasket on that paper / cardboard.
- Using the gasket material, cut arcs with the proper OD and ID.
- Stack the arcs on the template, overlapping each end at least as much as the dovetail punch you will be using. Position the overlaps away from bolt-hole locations as you make overlaps. Tape down gasket material to the template on either side of the overlaps as you make them.
- Using the dovetail punch, punch into each overlap by tapping with your hammer a few times. Strike the dovetail punch with solid, flat blows to complete the cut. Top and bottom materials will now have mating dovetails. Tape the dovetail joints together for easy handling.
- If the gasket is wide, then you can design two or more side by side dovetails per joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basics to remember when using Allpax dovetail punches?
- Ensure that employees are properly trained in the proper use of hand tools.
- Do not use tools for jobs they are not intended to do.
- Always provide training on how to choose the right tool for the job, how to correctly use each tool, and how to identify when the tools need repair.
- Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools.
- Keep cutting tools sharp and cover the sharp edges with a suitable covering to protect the tool and prevent accidental injuries from unintended contact.
- Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver. Always lay it on a workbench or in a vice.
- Maintain tools carefully. Keep them clean and dry, and store them properly after each use.
Why should I use Allpax dovetail punches?
It is necessary to have the right punches on hand during maintenance and repair. It is inefficient and impossible to store numerous replacement punches in your inventory. With their ability to cut 3/4 to 3 inch wide flange gaskets, Allpax dovetail punches can fabricate interlocking dovetail joints where the outside diameter of the gasket is larger than the width of the material to be cut.
What points must one consider when looking to buy a punch or chisel?
One of the most prominent factors that impacts the strength and durability of a punch or chisel is the steel used in its manufacturing. Allpax dovetail punches are made from heat treated, high alloy steel, and have a working end that maintains its edge & shape for a long duration of time. They feature a hard striking end that can be struck without chipping or cracking. Before making your purchase, keep the following points in mind:
- The diameter, size & shape of the required cuts should be determined by observing what is being cut or driven.
- If you are working in an environment with sparks, you should choose brass, copper beryllium or aluminium bronze punches and chisels that provide spark resistance.
