Laminate trimming on control pannel

[martin35]

Hello guys

I have a question for those of you who use laminate (Formica etc..) for their control panel. Do you apply laminate before or after drilling your buttons an joystick holes. I’m wondering because I’m using thin laminate and I wonder  if the laminate can chip when I will  trim the laminate inside the holes.

Thanks

[ivwshane]

After. Then drill a hole big enough to get a flush trim bit in and route the rest.

[gamepimp]

After. Then drill a hole big enough to get a flush trim bit in and route the rest.

Ditto. If the laminate is cemented down properly, that will help prevent chips. And the buttons/joystick dust covers have overlap which can hide any imperfections should they occur. But with a sharp flush cutting bit, I’ve never had any issues.

[martin35]

Thank you for the answer guys.

What are you using to drill the hole before routing ? Spade, Forstner, hole saw ?? I'm guessing that if I lay the laminated side flat on a scrificial board and drill from the bottom of the CP I should be safe.

Martin

[harveybirdman]

Just a regular drill bit big enough to get your flush trim bit in.

[martin35]

Great Thank you

Martin