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Trackball mounting -- 3" hole cutting bit? (what else can I use?)

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sofakng:

Tonight I cut out everything for my control panel on my father's drill press.  It came out really nice!  There is only one thing left to cut out -- the trackball.  I'm using a Happ's 3" Golden Tee trackball.  So, I need a 3" hole cutting bit to cut out a spot for it.

We don't have any 3" hole cutting bits.

Can I use anything else to cut this out?  My father suggested using a jigsaw but if I use that it will come out TERRIBLE espicially when we go to cut the plexiglass, right?

Anybody have any suggestions for me?

I really don't want to spend $15 or $20 on a bit I'm only going to use one single time for one single hole...

whammoed:

I know rotozip has an optional circle cutting attatchment.  Do you have one, or know someone who does?

stuzza:

I just used a Jigsaw to cut out the hole in the plexi for my trackball.  It worked a treat!  I used the trackball mounting plate as a guide and pre-drilled 4 holes with a standard drill bit first.  Then just use sandpaper to give it a nice edge.

You can see photos of how I did it here:
http://www.screenshotarchive.com/cabinet/cp_2.htm

sofakng:

Hmmm, maybe I'm a bit confused then...

In your top picture it looks like you cut out only the trackball hole, but in the bottom pictures it looks like you cut out the entire trackball area (the rectangle-type shape).

Do you cut the rectangle shape in the MDF, and the hole in the plexiglass?  That would make sense I think.

Also, I'm guessing that you recessed your trackball mounting plate so it was flush on top?  Any tips on this?  How about the bottom, did you recess the trackball so it stuck up higher?


Hoopstar:

Stuzza - good to see another Aussie on the boards :)  and very nice job btw..!!


Just a couple of questions:

- Where did you get your trackball mount plate from??

- What depth did you route the CP for the joysticks? what was the thickness of the material left when you finished?  And does it feel solid enough..?  (I am doing the same thing but am worried about breaking the MDF when my rough mates come over..


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