I need about 50 thin sheet metal back panels from set-top ('cable') boxes punched with a hole for a computer serial port ( also known as DB9 connector ).

How would I go about finding a place to do this? Seems some shops could do it but dont have the punch ( as if it weren't the most common connector used since the '70's. )

I've been chugging thru local phone book ( El Segundo, CA ) but encountering poeple that make duct work, etc.

Also, could I buy stuff do do this myself in future?

 

To buy it, you may wanna start with Grainger or one of the other industrial supply shops.

Otherwise. . . umm. . . you should be able to find a metal shop somewhere down there.

 

I think you're going to have trouble finding a machine shop with a DB9 size punch. It may be an old device but I'll bet very few in America are punching those PC panels today.

Sounds like the sort of thing where any old machine shop could stack a bunch of those panels, mark the top with a DB9-size outline, drill through with the max diameter that fits, and router out the remaining outline. If you do it at home you could use a Roto-Zip or similar side-cutting tool.

 

http://www.alconmetal.com/

Try them. I don't know if they'll have the punches, but I had to custom make some metal doors and metal counter top (with specific sized cutouts) for an outdoor bbq grill/island, and they made everything within spec. Was relatively cheap too, and turnaround was only 1.5 weeks.