kbdb Report post Posted May 8, 2017 I'm attempting to do a project with beta-Biothane and I can't find a successful way to punch holes. The Biothane is 5/8" thick and a typical revolving leather punch isn't working. I tried using and electric drill but it doesn't make very clean holes. Any tips or ideas? Or any tools I need to purchase? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SolarLeatherMachines Report post Posted May 8, 2017 Try heating the punch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brianm77 Report post Posted May 8, 2017 (edited) I am not sure what that material is. I have a hole punch that is made to go in a drill. It is shaped, on the business end, much like a hole punch you would strike with a mallet. It is used in making holes in very heavy rubber conveyor belt and attaching the hinge seam. I originally got it from applied. If that sounds like something you might be interested in I can try to remember to take a picture of it this evening to help in your search. Edited May 8, 2017 by Brianm77 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tommyboy Report post Posted May 8, 2017 Biothane has a nylon webbing core. Easiest way i know to punch holes is to take and heat up something like a nail and push it through. It essentially melts a hole through. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbdb Report post Posted May 8, 2017 1 hour ago, Tommyboy said: Biothane has a nylon webbing core. Easiest way i know to punch holes is to take and heat up something like a nail and push it through. It essentially melts a hole through. I'm thinking of trying that, but I'm wanting to punch holes bigger than the nail. Probably about a 1/4 of an inch in diameter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted May 8, 2017 you can get nails which are bigger than 1/4" diameter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tommyboy Report post Posted May 8, 2017 I was thinking about buckle sized holes. For larger holes you'll need a hollow punch set. Again heat 'em up and push through. Something i didn't mention before, use a piece of scrap to try different temps. Too hot and it makes a charred edge. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brianm77 Report post Posted May 9, 2017 So her is the bit I was talking about. It goes in a drill. This one I believe is for a 1/4" hole. I used to use it on some rubber that was about 3/8" or 1/2" thick and reinforced with nylon strands. It worked nicely. No heating required. Pricey though, I believe it was like $28. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted May 9, 2017 Have you tried a forstner bit? They put really clean holes in wood. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
glamb Report post Posted May 9, 2017 That picture above is a bit used to lace rubber belting. Look for them from someone that sales conveyer belts. You should be able to get them 1/4" - 3/8" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brianm77 Report post Posted May 9, 2017 Si, I went into more detail in my first post. I was just pointing out that it sounds like it would work for this application quite well Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted May 13, 2017 (edited) I make GPS tracking collars out of this material, and I have punched thousands of holes in it. By far, the best way to punch holes is to chuck a sharp drive punch into a drill or better yet a drill press. If you use a cutting board or similar material as a bottom support, the bit will stay sharp for a very long time. Melting holes in this material will send out some nasty fumes, and you don't want to breathe them. Plus, if you are punching more than a few holes it is very inefficient. Punching the holes like traditional leather is tedious and dulls punches quickly Edited May 13, 2017 by Colt W Knight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
