Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 20:46:26 -0800, Paul Clay
wrote: What's the best way/tool to cut or drill holes 1/8 inch to 5/16 inch in diameter in thin gauge aluminum (for inserting potentiometers and phono, power jacks, etc.)? I've tried using just a power drill and genernal purpose drill bits and the results have been sort of ragged (the edges of the hole are ragged and the process of drilling creates a depression surrounding the drilled hole). What's a good technique for labeling front panel controls on a piece of homebrew gear? Are there self adhesive labels or decals that stick/wear really well? Tnx! Get a laser etcher and greenlee punches.....I'm think of labeling panels for people. Something like 1 dollar a word. Tracy |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
You can make a template of the front panel with a graphics program with hole
locations, text, etc. Print them out on 8 1/2 by 11 inch label material. Cover the panel with a section of the same size plastic laminate, and you are all set. I did a panel with this method 4 years ago, and the glue has not yet turned yellow. Pete "Tfort" wrote in message ... On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 20:46:26 -0800, Paul Clay wrote: What's the best way/tool to cut or drill holes 1/8 inch to 5/16 inch in diameter in thin gauge aluminum (for inserting potentiometers and phono, power jacks, etc.)? I've tried using just a power drill and genernal purpose drill bits and the results have been sort of ragged (the edges of the hole are ragged and the process of drilling creates a depression surrounding the drilled hole). What's a good technique for labeling front panel controls on a piece of homebrew gear? Are there self adhesive labels or decals that stick/wear really well? Tnx! Get a laser etcher and greenlee punches.....I'm think of labeling panels for people. Something like 1 dollar a word. Tracy |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 20:46:26 -0800, Paul Clay
wrote: What's the best way/tool to cut or drill holes 1/8 inch to 5/16 inch in diameter in thin gauge aluminum (for inserting potentiometers and phono, power jacks, etc.)? I've tried using just a power drill and genernal purpose drill bits and the results have been sort of ragged (the edges of the hole are ragged and the process of drilling creates a depression surrounding the drilled hole). What's a good technique for labeling front panel controls on a piece of homebrew gear? Are there self adhesive labels or decals that stick/wear really well? Tnx! A drill press will hold the drill much more steadily for cleaner holes. Not always available, though. There are various things which you can attach to a hand drill to get much of that steadiness, kind of a ring plate with two rods that the drill rides on. You could even clamp this on to your piece to get the equivalant of drill press accuracy. Marking the hole with a center punch is very helpful. You will do better with a hand drill by using a pilot hole, then up to the actual size you want. Step drills are another way to do this, and work quite well. An aluminum cutting fluid will help. When drilling, patience is important. Let the drill speed do the work, not the drill power or downward pressure. Forcing the drill will create the raggedness. You will also do better with specialty sheet metal drills, rather than general purpose. Sharper is better. The TiN coated ones will stay sharper longer. For square holes, a metal nibbling tool is ideal. As for labels, there are many types of clear labels which a laser printer will print on, the inkjet ones can smear. Artist's fixative spray will help. Also look at things like the Brother P-Touch label maker, especially the ones which attach to a PC. Happy trails, Gary (net.yogi.bear) ------------------------------------------------ at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|