WE'RE NOW READY TO CUT THE EXTERIOR CUTTING DIE.
Up until now, we have been working with only the RED SIDE of the tool steel. Now, it is time to turn it over and work with the BLUE SIDE. If you have previously made a simple blanking die, the following information will be straight-forward.

Start by drilling the lower hinge holes, 1/2" (13mm) up from the bottom and 1-1/2" (38mm) apart. Drill a second set of holes 2-1/2" (64mm) up from the bottom and 5/8" (16mm) apart. Connect these holes with a large (#2 or #3) saw blade and the bench pin set at zero degrees. No punching will be done in this area and this method speeds up the sawing process.