What tool(s) do you use for drilling button holes?

[eastbayarb]

I did a search on this but not much of a deffinite answer. I am trying to add buttons to my control panel (I did not make this control panel but I am modifying it) but i need advice on what tool(s) to use for drilling proper sized holes for the buttons.

Thanx

[ArcadEd]

1 1/8th inch Hole Saw, Paddle Bit or Forsner (sp?) bit

[eastbayarb]

you got pictures of this "1 1/8th inch Hole Saw, Paddle Bit or Forsner (sp?) bit"

thanks for the advice

[ArcadEd]

Paddle Bit


Hole Saw


Forstner


Price wise, the paddle bit is the cheapest, then hole saw, then forstner

Good luck

[Tahnok]

You'll have better luck finding a 'paddle bit' if you search for it as a spade bit.

Some will argue the spade bit will give you rougher holes than the others. They all do a good enough job though for most CPs though.

[Grauwulf]

Those bits are only good for a wood CP.  If you have a metal cp, you either need a metal hole saw, similat to the wood one shown, or a step drill bit. Neither of those options are horribly cheap, so if you only have a couple of holes to do, I would call around to some of the local shett metal or machine shops and see if then can do the holes for you.

[leapinlew]

Those bits are only good for a wood CP.  If you have a metal cp, you either need a metal hole saw, similat to the wood one shown, or a step drill bit. Neither of those options are horribly cheap, so if you only have a couple of holes to do, I would call around to some of the local shett metal or machine shops and see if then can do the holes for you.

Thanks for the info - you answered my question before I asked. I have about 3 holes I need to drill into a metal CP. Looks like I'll need a new drill bit...

[nostrebor]

You can buy a bi-metal hole saw at the BORG or other big box lumber yards for less than $15. These will drill a hole in metal, wood, acrylic, etc. If you are building arcade games, this is a good staple for the tool crib!

[whammoed]

Those bits are only good for a wood CP.  If you have a metal cp, you either need a metal hole saw, similat to the wood one shown, or a step drill bit. Neither of those options are horribly cheap, so if you only have a couple of holes to do, I would call around to some of the local shett metal or machine shops and see if then can do the holes for you.

Thanks for the info - you answered my question before I asked. I have about 3 holes I need to drill into a metal CP. Looks like I'll need a new drill bit...

for leaf or microswitch buttons?  1 1/8" is fine for microswitch but usually you need 1 3/16" for leaf.  A greenlee punch is the best way for metal.  You drill a pilot hole and then use the punch to cut the actual hole.  They can be found cheap on ebay but are expensive new.

[Ken Layton]

For metal control panels I use a 1-1/8" knockout (a.k.a. chassis) punch from Greenlee.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

IMHO, Paddle bit is the best. The hole saw made my MDF smell like a dookit. It burns the wood (more surface area rubbing on the inside of the hole), and it's been almost impossible to get rid of the smell.




mrC

[hypernova]

I loved my forstner when I used it. 

[deadkenndys1105]

I use a a 1 1/2" spade bit for my buttons and a 1" spade for my joystick.  For the joy you can go bigger or smaller. As long as you can move you joystick fine and you boot fuly covers the hole you should be fine.

[Kremmit]

Me likey the Forstner for wood, and the Greenlee punch for metal.

[struby]

I don't know if anyone said this, but I think I am going to use my grandfather's drill press, I would think a drillpress would be best for straighter more even holes.

[deadkenndys1105]

I wish I had a drillpress .  As long as you know how to drill right you can get a straght hole without it.

[Tahnok]

The trick with a drill press is that your press has to have a long enough reach to drill the center most holes. I have found that my press can't do a full-size CP. I have also found though that button holes do not need to be overly exact.

[Dustin Mustangs]

 

[ArtMAME]

This plus a forstner bit.