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Drill size for button & joy
ErikRuud:
A hole saw is like a cylinder with saw teeth on the end. A hole saw will usuually give better results. but the depth they can handle is a little limited. A hole saw is one of the few options for holes over 2 inches.
A spade bit is a flat blade with point on the end of a shaft. Spade bits can usually drill a deeper hole, but they are usually only made in sizes under 2 inches.
I used a spade bit on my with no problems. One of the tricks to getting clean holes with either type is to drill your hole part way through on one side. Stop when the pilot bit(Hole Saw) or point(Spade Bit) starts to come through the other side. Then complete the hole from the other side.
bionicbadger:
I used a 30mm Forstner bit since 28.5mm is kinda tough to find. It worked great. Its a tiny bit bit bigger than the 1 1/8" that everyone recommends, but only by about 1/16. I used this cause it was in the set of forstner bits that already had and I didn't want to go out and buy another special bit.
If you are going shopping for a bit, I would get a forstner bit over a spade bit, it makes cleaner holes.
Silverwind:
I used a 1 1/8" spade bit... it was speedbor brand from lowes and was about $5..
worked well on the wood.. you just have to watch for breakthrough.. the spade bit also worked well on the lexan.. very good results for the price!
djsting:
1 1/8" Forstner bit is the way to go. You get a nice clean hole everytime. I'm sure that if you are not in a hurry someone here may be willing to buy you one and send it to you as long as you cover the cost of the bit and shipping. You could also buy one online somewhere probably.
kalkin:
Thanks for all the replies :D
I bought one of those adjustable spade bits and I think it would have given a good result if the darned thing didn't wobble, giving the hole a slightly conical shape >:( Going to replace it and give it one more chance.
Anyone know if there's a recommended size for the hole for joysticks too? I'm using Happs Supers and the CP is made of 5/8" (16mm) MDF.