uk hole saw for buttons

[rchadd]

i bought one of that hole saw kits from Homebase the other day to cutout my contol panels this weekend. it is one of those ones with 6 with different diameter blades(?). you basically fit the one you want in the holder which has number of concentric circular channels. the assembly then attaches a drill.

i was disappointed to find that none of the saw blades were of correct diameter to fit the buttons. the smallest was too small. the next size up was slightly too big for the lip part at the top of the button. it was possible to fit the button but when tightened it would not grip the panel wood correctly.

have other people in UK had this problem? is it the metric vs imperial thing again?

i ended up cutting with the smallest blade and then widening the hole using a chissel.

is there hole saw available in UK that is exact fit for a std arcade button?

(i assume diameter of buttons are standard?)

[NoOne=NBA=]

Standard hole size for buttons is 1-1/8".

You might also look to get a forstner bit to drill them.
They make a nicer hole, and last longer than hole saws--provided you are not drilling metal.
They are not made for metal.

If you have to drill metal, get hole saws made specifically for metal work.

[old school gamer]

Forstner bits work good,but there is also a thing called a spade bit,it is basically a flat bit with a point on it,comes in many different sizes.

[johnneh]

I had the same problem while drilling my button holes.  what old school gamer said about a spade bit is correct, thats what i ended up buying. i got mine from B&Q and its 28mm, works perfect

PS, this is my first post. Hi all

[Minwah]

I had the same problem while drilling my button holes.  what old school gamer said about a spade bit is correct, thats what i ended up buying. i got mine from B&Q and its 28mm, works perfect

PS, this is my first post. Hi all

Same here, spade bits will bore a hole through 18mm MDF in seconds.

Welcome to the board!

[teef two]

If you want a forstner bit then look at screw-fix direct http://www.screwfix.com

[johnneh]

One more thing about the spade bits and mdf, make sure you have a scrap piece of mdf or something underneath the piece you are drilling, so as to avoid blowing a big chunk of material off of the back of your work piece

Minwah: Thanks excellent frontend btw, i love it.

[Totallyout2lunch]

Spade bits are great. I got one for my CP.

A good tip is to drill a pilot hole through the cp, and then drill a little on each side with the spade bit, then you do not get any chipping eyc from the board.

[Minwah]

Spade bits are great. I got one for my CP.

A good tip is to drill a pilot hole through the cp, and then drill a little on each side with the spade bit, then you do not get any chipping eyc from the board.

Good tip.  The pilot helps to make sure the bit doesn't wander a little as you start as well.  Assuming you put the pilot hole in the right place of course!