argh! screwed up on drilling and need help!!!

[hulkster]

well i drilled through my lexan fine and it all looks great, but i just noticed that the hole that the carriage bolt is supposed to go through (the ones on the four corners) when aligned with the wooden cp underneath, will end up having no place to go through!  the hole is lined up with the edges of the box of the cp.  understand?  so instead of the carriage bolts going through the lexan and cp to the underside outside of the box which holds all the wires and stuff....its lined up to go into the wood of the box!  so anyway, if you dont understand, my question is...is there anyway to secure the lexan with another type of screw or bolt or something that doesnt require me screwing on a nut on the other side?  should i use glue?  would that hold it in place?

[AlanS17]

You've already got holes. Why not use wood screws?

[hulkster]

the holes through the lexan are like 3/8"...i was going to put carriage bolts through them...will wood screws cover the hole like the carriage bolts do, or what?

also, i dont want to use wood screws that go all the way through and attach to my cp box, cuz then...how would i be able to get to my controls if i needed to?

[AlanS17]

You could find a screw with a 3/8" head that would be flush with the surface of the lexan. And if you need to get to your controls then take your screws out. I know you have a screwdriver.  

[hulkster]

hmm, excellent point.  once again, im dumb.

[Nannuu]

You would need a screw with larger than a 3/8" head which is usually found on very large screws.

You may also be able to find some Truss Head Screws since they are low profile and have very large heads.

OR TRY SOME OF THESE OPTIONS?:

Hex Drive Threaded Inserts
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&offerings_ID=364&ObjectGroup_ID=72&CATID=22

Barbed Threaded Inserts
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&offerings_ID=5730&ObjectGroup_ID=72&CATID=22

Solid Brass Connector Bolts, Cap Nuts & Cross Dowels
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&offerings_ID=10299&ObjectGroup_ID=72&CATID=22

Decorative Washers
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&offerings_ID=305&ObjectGroup_ID=408&CATID=22

[rampy]

Nannu, I love your diagrams.  You've got to (time permitting) create more for some other common byoac questions...

I believe people have used retaining washers (they are on peg boards at Home Depot -- in the nuts and bolts aisle ) on top of the lexan before with wood screws -- but not exactly in the configuration you are talking about. (how about a pic hulk?) Usually in the four corners of the lexan to secure it (I believe Chris's cabinet has that config and you can see pics if you find his site via his profile - www link)

can't you just drill through the wood some more?  Do the lexan holes line up with the joystick holes ? *THAT's* the question!

*shrug*

[hulkster]

wow, that pic is awesome.  helps so much.  i think im going to get a threaded insert and put a screw in that.  that way, i wont have to worry about going all the way through.  again, thanks for the help!

[Hoagie_one]

i like teh decorate washers myself

[Nannuu]

The decorative washers would be the cheapest and the easiest.  And I think they look nice as well.

If anyone needs diagrams I'd love to help them.  I can always use it for my website later anyway,
or if you need diagrams for your site don't hesitate to ask!  I'm fairly quick with Coreldraw.
I've been reading this site for months now and I'm still diddling around with my control panel design
and don't understand some of the mounting techniques for a lot of this stuff (especially the trackball)
so it would end up helping me too.

[hyiu]

very nice and informative diagrams !!!....
 

I'm thinking using the right most method to install my trackball.... (crayola ball....)