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Correct/Best bit for drilling button holes through wood and plexi?

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WwonderLlama:


--- Quote from: Gunstar Hero on April 28, 2006, 12:12:36 pm ---I think I got it.

New question!

Is the 1 1/8" Forstner bit also suitable for plexi or should I use a small hole saw?

--- End quote ---

Forstner bits worked fantastically for going through my lexan/plexi/plastic stuff.  IIRC, I drilled my CP, then sandwiched my plexi between the CP and some scrap, otherwise, the plexi pulled up and splintered (cracked).

But yeah, Forstner bits are Good Things.


MYX:

I am about to be doing my holes in plexi. I have already drilled my CP holes in the MDF. My plan is to drill a small hole in the center of the hole (on the plexi) and then route out the circle using a laminate cutter as it has the ball berring guide.

markrvp:


--- Quote from: MYX on April 28, 2006, 01:55:57 pm ---I am about to be doing my holes in plexi. I have already drilled my CP holes in the MDF. My plan is to drill a small hole in the center of the hole (on the plexi) and then route out the circle using a laminate cutter as it has the ball berring guide.

--- End quote ---


This is a good way, and works as well as any.  My personal experience is that LEXAN cuts much better with Forstner bits than acrylic (plexi).  The acrylic will crack if you don't go really SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. 

On the other hand, acrylic cuts great on a table saw when you need to cut pieces for marquees or monitor covers.

Knievel:


MYX and others, this is the bit you want for cutting out button holes in plexi/lexan:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=30184&cat=1,46168,46173&ap=1

With this you can plunge through the plexi and carve out the button holes without the risk/work of drilling first. Sort of a combination drill bit/laminate bit, it's what I've always used.

Here's a tip if you're using plexi that has a protective film on it that you can't see through..
Clamp your plexi to your pre-drilled CP then hold a trouble light underneath it. This allows you to see the button holes from above. Now you can mark the centers and you'll know where to plunge through.



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