Plans for patch cutter??

[aka-kesler]

does anyone have a drawing or written plans for making 50cal and 45cal. patch cutters. I need to know diameter inside of cutter and what method was used to produce the cutter as well as using the cutter itself ie:single thickness vs. several thicknesses?  Any info would be helpful and greatly appreciated, Thank You aka-kesler.

[Wyoming Mike]

I use a hole saw that I have ground the teeth off and put an edge on.  I use the same size for .50 to .58, 1 3/8".  I use a smaller, 7/8", for .32 and .36. 

I chuck them up in the drill press and usually go four layers at a time.  To sharpen them back up after use I lay a stone along side it for a few seconds.

[aka-kesler]

Thank you for the info!!!! That helps alot because I wasnt sure about using it like a punch or if the drill press way would work. I was afraid that putting rotation would catch the cloth about how fast do you run your drill press RPM wise?

[bwhoffman]

I d the same thing basically.
Mine is a 1 5/16 od, gives me a patch that nets out at 1 1/8". I left the spindle on the cutter and drilled a billiard ball to accept that and epoxied it in.
I cut 12 layers at a time with minimal downward pressure and 2 0r 3 turns to the left and right by hand and arm only!

I have done the drill press, and find it not to be the wisest thing a person should do!
I cut into a pine board, a rubber mat or a white cheapy cutting board.

I have cut close to 10000for self and others, goes real fast.  of course, square cut patches shoot just the same!
...but round looks better!

[Wyoming Mike]

I use the fastest speed.  Anything much slower has a tendency to grab.  You do have to keep it sharp to make it work the best.  I use a piece of scrap wood to use it against when running.  The other gentleman is right in that square of octagon patches shoot just as well but I have trouble cutting a straight line. 

[silverfox]

     I did the same as Wyoming Mike. Got a hole saw kit from Harbor freight on sale for 2.99 went back and got anotherone. Now have patch cutter for the drill press (high speed) and hand cutter works anywhere. Total cost less than $7 and still have enought left over to make cutters for 36,45,54,58. Works out to less than $2 per cutter now that is cheap. The drill press is fast and high production method it will cut 8 at a time then stop and removeing them slows the process down a little. keep the blade sharp and be safe.
                                               Fox