Sanwa JLF bottom mount. What size hole for the stick??

[bobmoo79]

I have made a control panel using 12mm MDF and plan to bottom mount two Sanway JLF ball tops with an s-plate mount.
I need to route out about 4 - 5mm to achieve the correct stick height when mounted, but what size do I drill the hole for the stick to go through?

At the moment I have either a 6mm standard drill bit (TOO SMALL) or a 25mm spade bit (TOO BIG). If I'm gonna buy a new bit it might as well be the right size. I did a search on google and didn't find the answer.

I'm thinking about 16mm or 13mm. What d'ya reckon?

[harveybirdman]

ugh I had to use Google to convert to the stupid metric system but yes that sounds about right, if a little on the big side...

I'd probable use a 1/2 in spade bit which is equivalent to your 13 mm

Don't know where you're located, but a set of spade bits isn't too expensive here in the states.  Walmart has a set for about 10 bucks.

[WakiMiko]

Sanwa joysticks are generally mounted with 23mm-24mm of shaft between the top of the control panel and the bottom of the ball top, in a 24mm hole.

[Slippyblade]

I use my button hole drill for the joystick hole.  I've not used a Sanwa stick, but I can't imagine the hole being significantly different.

[Rick]

I use my button hole drill for the joystick hole.  I've not used a Sanwa stick, but I can't imagine the hole being significantly different.

I do the same. I have a 1 1/8" Forstner bit I use for all of them.

[Vigo]

Measure the dust washer. Find the length of halfway between the interior and exterior diameter.

[bobmoo79]

Thanks for the help everyone!

Wakimiko, I'm surprised they suggest 24mm as it seems way oversized for the available movement of the joystick. The deflection you can get from one extreme to the other is way less than 24mm......

I'll do some tests to find the minimum hole size while still allowing the full range of movement. Vigo's idea looks good too, so may try that.

Thanks again.

[WakiMiko]

Yeah it is way bigger than required. Smaller holes will work too. In the end it doesn't really matter because the dust washer will hide the hole completely (unless you make it too big, that is!).

[bobmoo79]

I ended up using a 20mm flat bit (cost 89p) and it is plenty big enough.

Thanks for the help guys.