The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Donkbaca on March 07, 2011, 12:20:42 pm

Title: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: Donkbaca on March 07, 2011, 12:20:42 pm

Getting some small seimitsu and sanwa buttons.  What is the best way to make these holes?  I am only using ONE 24 mm button and I would rather not get a forstner bit for one hole....

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: Woodshop Flunky on March 07, 2011, 02:06:53 pm

If you have a router...

1. Make a circle jig out of scrap wood that will allow you to cut a circle slightly larger than your router base.  The size of the circle should be: half the size of your router base plus half the difference between the 12mm hole size and router bit size.

Equation: Circle Radius = ( Router Base Radius ) + ( Hole Radius - Cutter Radius )

2. Once you have this jig, you can cut a circle out of scrap to make a template for your router to ride inside.

Seems like a lot of work, but should provide a challenge. :)

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: Donkbaca on March 07, 2011, 02:22:04 pm

Nah, I have enough challenges :)  and I don't want to ruin my work because of sloppy holes, or spend an entire afternoon working on a circle jig.  Sigh, just bit the bullet and got some forstner bits. 

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: Woodshop Flunky on March 07, 2011, 02:54:16 pm

I had the same issue... I bought a forstner bit for a single task.  But at least it's in my tool box now for the next time I need it. :)

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: llars on March 07, 2011, 05:40:14 pm

They do make adjustable ones like these

http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-55-Circle-Cutter/dp/B00004T7P1 (http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-55-Circle-Cutter/dp/B00004T7P1)

http://www.amazon.com/Vermont-American-18401-Adjustable-Hole/dp/B00078JYH0 (http://www.amazon.com/Vermont-American-18401-Adjustable-Hole/dp/B00078JYH0)

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: Donkbaca on March 07, 2011, 06:18:35 pm

those cut holes that are too big

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: llars on March 07, 2011, 07:12:42 pm

Looks like lowes has a 24mm hole saw. Try googling it. I cant link because it gives me a mobile url

Title: Re: 18mm and 24mm holes
Post by: Donkbaca on March 07, 2011, 08:07:54 pm

already ordered some cheal forstner bits from some chinese import company. Don't care that they are junk I only need to make 7 holes.