Mounting hole sizes?

[BrianP]

So, I am in the midst of building my first cabinet and I am struggling a bit on the control panel layout.  After 3 failed layout attempts (thank gawd I have been testing in cardboard rather than wood), I thought I would ask for some advic e.  I got most of my gear from Andy at Ultimarc who as been a great help!

What I am trying to figure out is mounting holes.

I have a U-Trak trackball from Ultimarc which should use a 86mm (3 3/8 inch) diameter hole.
I have 2 U360 joysticks from Ultimarc which should use a 20 mm diameter hole.
I have a SpinTrak spinner from Ultimarc which should use a 28 mm diameter hole.

What I struggling a bit is the push buttons.  I have Happ buttons (from Groovy Game Gear).  Happ lists as a 1.13 diameter hole, which should be a 28 mm diameter hole.

Does this all seem reasonable and correct?  I need to buy some hole saws and I don't want to buy the wrong sizes.

Thanks!

- Brian

[Haterot]

As far as the pushbuttons 28mm is standard. Most will use a hole saw, or a forstner bit . You want to drill down as straight as possible. there is very little room for mistakes. the pushbutton has a 33mm lip so you don't want to make your hole to oblong. I would start off using an awl or hole punch making a dimple dead center then set your bit there. That will prevent (hopefully) the bit from moving off. if you have a drill press even better.

[Franco B]

For your U track trackball you will need a 3 3/8" forstner bit (if one exists), hole saw or router template.

For your U360s you will want a 5mm drill bit and M5 or equivalent bolts/machine screws/nuts and/or M5 t-nuts depending on how you are mounting them. You may also need a ~8mm drill and a ~25mm forstner bit if you are using t-nuts to mount and recess them in your CP top.

A 28mm forstner bit would be ideal for your SpinTrack spinner and you can also use it for your push buttons. They can be a little snug but they will go in. You could also use the 28mm forstner bit instead of the ~25mm bit if you are counterboring your t-nuts.

As Haterot said a drill press or vertical drill guide will help you no end.

[BrianP]

I do have a drill press for drilling.  The U-Trak has blind mounting hardware, so I don't need to drill through the panel for that.  I picked up some blind mounting hardware from Ultimarc for the U360's so I don't need to drill through the panel for that (yea!).

I just found I had a 28 mm hole saw (buttons and SpinTrak).  Andy suggested a 20mm hole for the joystick itself, I should be able to find one at a local hardware store.

So, I just need to figure out how to drill the 3 3/8" (86 mm) hole for the U-trak.  My router skills are not real good. 

I attached a picture of the what my panel is going to look like.  It is basically the panel from the book (without the 3rd joystick) with a couple of spacing changes based on the different mounting panels.

[Franco B]

[Thread about cutting TB holes]

Are you using dust washers on top of your panel? If so your 28mm bit will be fine as the dustwasher will cover it.

I personally would use a 20mm bit but that's only as I have one to hand.

[BrianP]

[Thread about cutting TB holes]

Are you using dust washers on top of your panel? If so your 28mm bit will be fine as the dustwasher will cover it.

I personally would use a 20mm bit but that's only as I have one to hand.

Ultimarc shipped 2 plastic covers for the joystick hole (which I assume is called a dustwasher, <sigh>  such a newbie), so I should be fine there.  After all the money I have spent on this, a couple more for a 20mm hole saw won't phase me.

- Brian

[Haterot]

if that's the case get custom washers made. Ask the guy above.

[BrianP]

if that's the case get custom washers made. Ask the guy above.

Why would I need custom washers?  The ones from Ultimarc are larger than the 20mm.  I don't think any of the hole will be exposed even when the joystick is at the far end of it's throw.  I am new to all of this and need lots of hand holding.

- Brian