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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Drill Bits

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5/12/2000 5:15 PM

The thread about op amp and Mouser ordering lists got me thinking about other standard items that all of us need to order and the one I have been looking for is what size drill bits do all of you use to drill your enclosures? I figure there are two at minimum, one for the jacks and one for the pots. I can't remember the sizes of mine right now but they are both a bit big, the pots move a little in the holes, not a big deal but kind of sloppy. So what size bits do you guys use for FX work? (Jacks, Pots and even PCB if you guys know it off hand)

Thanks!

Jay Doyle

5/12/2000 5:41 PM
Cole	I use a 3/8" for jacks, 5/16" for pots, 1/2" for stompswitches, and 1mm bits for PCB holes.

5/12/2000 5:44 PM
aron	People have been talking about those vari-bits. You know, the stepped ones that can do different size holes. I need to get one and try it.

5/12/2000 5:59 PM
Jay Doyle	Thanks guys! I need to try on of those vari-bits as well. I also need to get a drill press.

5/12/2000 5:56 PM
R.G.	Jacks are 3/8". Pots are 3/8" and 7mm. Stomp switches are 1/2". Mounting holes are usually 1/8". lead holes are 0.028 to 0.042. Get a unibit. It will cost you $18, but one bit will drill all the holes you'll need in an enclosure, and you don't have to change bits while you do it. It is also very forgiving, does not suddenly bit into the work, and leaves a smooth edge.

5/12/2000 8:51 PM
aron	R.G., Any unibit in mind or do they all pretty much handle the required sizes?

5/12/2000 9:05 PM
R.G.	You want the one that has 1/2" as the max size. I think it's the smallest.

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