This has been helpful for me. I used to drill a tiny pilot hole. But after I started drilling them large enough for the first step in my step bit to fit, I've had better results.
Enclosure Drilling
- Thread starter masonlewisdiesel
- Start date
falco_femoralis
Well-known member
I used to use a punch but I found it didn't really make a difference. I just use a step bit that has 1mm increments. I drill all the holes, but only through the first step of the bit. Then I check them all with a straight edge and make sure they are in line with each other and centered. If they're not, then when drilling the next step, I can push the enclosure into the bit such that it drills the next step off center from the current hole in the direction I want the hole to be. Follow that up with the step after that and the hole is round again, but in the right spot. Sometimes I'll chase a hole back and forth until it's in the right spot, which is why I check after every step.
I'll always draw crosshairs that I make with a speed square and try to eye it good from the start. Just take your time and do it slow, it's better to get it right the first time. I don't have templates for my builds since many of them are non standard and different from each other.
I'll always draw crosshairs that I make with a speed square and try to eye it good from the start. Just take your time and do it slow, it's better to get it right the first time. I don't have templates for my builds since many of them are non standard and different from each other.
usernamename
New member
Im lazy, hand drill and then file to accuracy.
fav13andacdc
Member
I bought one of these center punches from Amazon and it worked great.
I taped on the drill template, punched the dots, and used my smallest drill bit to drill the pilot hole. From there I stepped up to an 1/8" bit, then moved to my step bit. I test fit as I got close but ended up using these measurements (found on Reddit) for reference. Made minor adjustments along the way.
Mini toggles - 1/4" (6mm)
16mm pot - 9/32" (7mm)
audio jacks - 3/8" (10mm)
footswitches - 15/32" (12mm) for a perfect fit w/o washers
I taped on the drill template, punched the dots, and used my smallest drill bit to drill the pilot hole. From there I stepped up to an 1/8" bit, then moved to my step bit. I test fit as I got close but ended up using these measurements (found on Reddit) for reference. Made minor adjustments along the way.
Mini toggles - 1/4" (6mm)
16mm pot - 9/32" (7mm)
audio jacks - 3/8" (10mm)
footswitches - 15/32" (12mm) for a perfect fit w/o washers
