Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Crayola on October 09, 2010, 10:55:13 pm
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So I need to add a few button holes and a 2 1/4" trackball
hole to a metal control panel. Any suggestions on how to do this?
Would a hole saw work? I havent had good luck with hole saws
and metal. They tend to wander until they bite in. Usually where I
dont want it to:(
Crayola
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Greenlee hole punches make nice holes.
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Got a good source for them? They seem kinda expensive.
Crayola
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Got a good source for them? They seem kinda expensive.
Crayola
Sorry no I don't. Also I have no idea what size for the trackball. You could find out how much a local machine shop would charge to punch the holes for you.
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You can use a hole saw or step drill for the buttons, but the trackball will be more complicated. Are you planning on having a bezel of some kind around it? If so, you can probably cut it with a hack saw and file it down to the final dimensions. If the edge will be exposed, I'd get a machine shop to do it for you.
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drill a small pilot hole... use a metal cutting hole saw. I saw a 3" one at Canadian Tire the other day, though it doesn't say so on their website.
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Not a permanent solution, but any metal shop or motorcycle/auto custom shop in your area might have a wet metal cutting machine, or laser which would help you for a simple fix. The prices are pretty low especially if you show up in person. Certain Napa Auto parts stores can also do it (along with sand blasting) for very little $$$.
Buying your own hole saw, or set, sets you up for life though might be too much $$$ for 1 cut.