Drilling holes for buttons, need help.

[upper2bits]

So I tested my method on a scrap piece and thank god I did.  The bit I'm using(already had) might be wrong and the first layer of plywood kind of splintered off.  Here is what I have, should I pick up a different bit?  Is there another way I can do this?  I wish I had a drill press.

[Donkbaca]

Get a forstner bit. Makes a clean hole, just make sure you drill from the top as it might splinter a bit coming out the back

[upper2bits]

Get a forstner bit. Makes a clean hole, just make sure you drill from the top as it might splinter a bit coming out the back

Forstner over hole saw?  I've been reading up and now I'm trying to decide.  Also, can I use the 1 1/8" for the joystick too or would that be too big?

[Jefferson]

forstner bit is the way to go... itll push out the debris as it cuts, and 1 1/8 is perfect for joys (thats what I did anyhow, with dust washers on top of the CP, but to each his own)

[upper2bits]

forstner bit is the way to go... itll push out the debris as it cuts, and 1 1/8 is perfect for joys (thats what I did anyhow, with dust washers on top of the CP, but to each his own)

Is the dust washers the big black plastic thing that came with the joystick? Does this just float around with the joystick?

[gamepimp]

I used a 1 1/8" hole saw for my buttons and joysticks. Worked like a champ. And yes, the dust washer is that plastic ring that goes on the lower part of the joystick that will cover up the hole to keep dust out as well as making it look nicer. It moves with the joystick so the hole will never be exposed (unless of course u lift that washer up to see what's underneath).

[leapinlew]

I've used paddle bits with no problems.

[cigardude]

+1 on the paddle bits. the 1 1/8" ones are perfect for button and joystick holes. I've even used them for the plexi with no issue.

[severdhed]

hole saws work great, however forstner bits work great also and seem to go faster than hole saws. (paddle bits work if you don't have anything else, but having used all 3 options, i'd take a forstner bit over a paddle bit or hole saw any day. drill from the top of the panel, so if it splinters, it will be on the bottom side.  if you don't want it to splinter, drill a small pilot hole in the center of all the button holes, drill half way through from one side, then flip it over and drill the rest of the way from the other side.  it is alot more work, but keeps it from splintering.  1 1/8" is fine for joystick holes as well as buttons, no need to get a different size bit for the joysticks.

[Grimoz]

If your going to get a hole saw then make sure you buy a good brand one and not one of the cheaply made ones, I found this out the hard way and within 60 seconds of use it was in the bin. My recommendation is to use a spade bit with pre-drilled pilot holes, i find they dont slip like hole saws do and are a much cleaner drill.

[upper2bits]

Picked up a forstner bit and it's night and day!  Perfect holes no splintering. Thanks!