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Drilling Plexi
chrisindfw:
The time has come to plexi!
<thunderous applause>
What is the best way to drill the holes in plexi without the use of a drill press. I currently have a brand spanking new 1 1/8" Spade bit. Would that work? Do I need to wear a foil hat and chant an ancient chant in order for it to work?
Thanks
Teknique:
When I did my lamination on my cp, I secured it to the top of the cp, drilled pilot holes where the buttons were and then used a laminate router bit (with a ball bearing attachment) to finish the holes.
Id imagine this same principle would work with plexi (depending on thickness of course). Secure the plexi to the cp and drill pilot holes through buttons. Get a router bit with a bearing attached to the end and use the interior diameter of the button hole as a guide for the routing. Just take your time on the routing - too fast and you will melt the plexi.
steve_pss:
you'll have a much easier time on the plexi with a hole saw. Not the all-in-one garbage deals but a nice one. make a sandwith:
Bottom - scrap MDF
plexi
Top -control panel with holes cut.
use the CP as your guide and run the hole saw BACKWARDS. The bit will melt right through like butter baby.
Ken Layton:
I use a hole saw and drill slowly. Drilling too fast will catch and snag thus cracking or shattering the plexi. It is preferable to do this operation on a drill press, but not a requirement.
Mr. Dude:
I drill plexi all the time at work with a hand drill. Just use a very small bit at first to make a starter hole (it's easy to get a nice and centered hole this way). Then what I use is a step bit and drill the hole to the desired size. You could use a regular bit too I suppose. Also don't take the protective covering off till you're done drilling you're holes. If you do this you should never have a problem with cracking or chipping the plexi.