What size hole saw needed to drill for cp buttons?

[nick-g]

I am looking to add a piece of plexi over my control panel.  What size hole saw will I need to drill the holes for normal arcade  buttons?  How about for joysticks?

[u_rebelscum]

1 1/8"
Depending on if you bottom mounted, routed bottom mount, or top mount: 1 1/4", depends on how much you routed, and 1 1/8", respectively.  (Assuming normal throw happs like joystick; other sticks might need more or less.)

[The_Tyler_Black]

I perfer to use a 1/8th paddle bit. it makes it easier if your doing alot of holes!

[solderguy1]

And start by drilling the backside out 1/3 of the way or so, then switch to the front and finish.  It keeps the hole smoother.

[Vash]

And start by drilling the backside out 1/3 of the way or so, then switch to the front and finish.  It keeps the hole smoother.

How do you make sure that it lines up on both sides?

[RoninEditor]

And start by drilling the backside out 1/3 of the way or so, then switch to the front and finish.  It keeps the hole smoother.

How do you make sure that it lines up on both sides?

I guess using a pilot hole all the way through...?  It seems like it could get mess if they holes don't perfectly line up though, then the button will be all over the place. 

Honestly, just drill sloooooooowly and use a Forstner bit (highly recommended).  I did some practice ones on scrap, before the real ones, and it made a huge difference, the speed you use.  Slow and steady and it's super clean.  Fast and forced makes chunks fall out the back and WILL split your Plexi or Lexan, which you really, really don't wanna do.   

[gatordad]

See here for all your hole size questions
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=71031.0

[CheffoJeffo]

use a Forstner bit (highly recommended).  I did some practice ones on scrap, before the real ones, and it made a huge difference, the speed you use.  Slow and steady and it's super clean.  Fast and forced makes chunks fall out the back and WILL split your Plexi or Lexan, which you really, really don't wanna do.   

 

[Franco B]

if you lay your CP on top of a scrap piece of MDF etc it will give you a clean finish when you drill through with no need to drill from either side. I would 2nd the Forster bits. If you have *access* to a drill press all the better.

Edited for spelling, i have aces spelling me! 

[Fozzy The Bear]

I am looking to add a piece of plexi over my control panel.  What size hole saw will I need to drill the holes for normal arcade  buttons?  How about for joysticks?

Don't try to drill the Plexi at all!!! It has a habit of cracking if you do.

Use a forstner bit on the wood.... way better than a hole saw or a spade bit.  Then when you have your plexi ove the top of it, use a flush triming bit in the router to cut the holes in the plexi. The flush trimmer is the straight bit with the bearing on the end. Let the bearing run round the inside edge of the hole in the wood and the flush trimmer wil cut the plexi to exactly match the holes you drilled through the wood in the first place.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)