how i drill hole?

[deadbeatriot]

what's the best/most convenient way to drill holes into an enclosure without a drill press?

how do you know what size to drill holes for pots/switches/leds?

[Jero]

I use a drill &/or a dremel. Measure out & mark your holes. Putting masking/painters tape over the enclosure may help keep the bit from bouncing around, as well as keeping the enclosure from getting scratched. I never bother myself as I wait to paint until drilling has been finished.

Here are the bit sizes I use, with what part next to them. This is where a step bit would come in handy, as you don't have to swap out for each component.
Pots: 1/4-5/16"
In/out jacks: 3/8"
3pdt: 1/2"
9v: 1/2"
3-5mm Leds: 1/8-11/64" (if not using bezels)

[culturejam]

If you're not using a press, I recommend starting off with a center punch. Punch where you want the hole, then drill a small pilot hole (1/8" is fine), and then drill the full size hole. This really helps keep the holes smooth and makes it much easier to do without a proper press setup.

[Jero]

drill a small pilot hole (1/8" is fine), and then drill the full size hole. This really helps keep the holes smooth and makes it much easier to do without a proper press setup.

I knew I forgot to mention something! Drill pilot holes for sure! It helps a lot, especially with those bigger bits.

[culturejam]

I have a nice press, but I still center punch and drill pilot holes for every hole. It only takes an extra couple minutes to set up, and the results are much better than what I was getting with just marking the hole and drilling with the full-size bit.

A spring-action center punch is only about $5 at Home Deep-Owe.

[McSpunckle]

Step bits are great. Irwin makes one that does all the main sizes for pedals (1/8 - 1/2), and Harbor Freight makes a cheaper clone (which I actually like better-- it's shorter and works better with small drill presses). You can get both at Smallbear, and the Irwin at Lowes or Home Depot. Harbor Freight also has one that's, like, 1/4-1/2 in larger steps. If you're doing a lot, they sell two packs with a larger step bit that's great for doing the jacks-- fewer steps. Also good for footswitches.

If you don't have one of those, step up in size. Don't go right from a pilot hole to 1/2". At least drill it 3/8" first.

I use a center punch that's spring loaded. I like it better than having to use a hammer, but sometimes it takes a few times to get a hole deep enough for the bit to catch. Masking tape works really well too.

And, yeah, even WITH a press, you want to center punch if you're drilling on a hard surface.

Holes sizes:

Pots*: 9/32-- 5/16 also works, but there will be a bit of play.
Toggle Switches: 1/4"
Footswitches: 1/2"-- I've found 15/32 actually works. At 1/2" there's always a bit of extra room.
In/out jacks: 3/8"
Power Jacks: 1/2"

[Trifarce]

how do i drill hole?

Sorry, just had to

[Jenesis]

Dammit.

[cloudscapes]

I used a hand-drill for all my projects (up until this monstrosity). I hammered/nailed a small guiding dent where I wanted the hole to be so that the hand drill wouldn't skid off in some direction.

[Jero]

I used a hand-drill for all my projects (up until this monstrosity).

You sir, are a man. There's no way I would have done that enclosure by hand.

[deadbeatriot]

I used a hand-drill for all my projects (up until this monstrosity).

You sir, are a man. There's no way I would have done that enclosure by hand.

can i have one?

please?







PLEEEEEZZZZZZZZZ

[cloudscapes]

I used a hand-drill for all my projects (up until this monstrosity).

You sir, are a man. There's no way I would have done that enclosure by hand.

actually, the day I set out to drill it was the day I said "fuck it" and bought a $50 drill press

[Trifarce]

this monstrosity

What on earth could all of those knobs possibly do? God damn...












it for sale?

[deadbeatriot]

this monstrosity

What on earth could all of those knobs possibly do? God damn...












it for sale?

NO HE IS GIVING IT TO ME

[warwick.hoy]

Wow,...search functions really do work.

Thanks ILF.