How to cut a hole for a slide switch?
- Thread starter drewfx
- Start date
a small router bit should do. maybe like those roto zip multi tools. i am a machinist but i realize you may not have access to the same tools as me but i'd either do it on a mill or put a small stubby end mill just bigger than the thickness of the blade of the switch in an edge trimmer (like a router but smaller) for best results.
StewMac sells very narrow diameter router bits that are also downcut type. These will work in some Dremel and similar... and some larger shaft size for use in the small laminate trimmer routers.
Those things break like... blink... they're gone. Predrilling is going to be about impossible. So.... just jig it up with a guide to hold the dremel router base against, and give it your best shot.
Those things break like... blink... they're gone. Predrilling is going to be about impossible. So.... just jig it up with a guide to hold the dremel router base against, and give it your best shot.
Unwound G
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If you don't have any special tools, here is a way to do it. I have used this method when I was just starting out many decades ago.
Pencil mark the slot line and the two mounting screw holes at each end. Drill the two mounting holes first.
Changing to a much smaller diameter drill bit (around 1.5mm), drill a chin of holes along the slot line,
If you have some sort of power drill guidance, run the drill with the same bit along to join up the line of small holes. If not, use an X-Acto knife to cut along the holes to join up.
Finally use a needle file to smoothen and widen the edges to a professional looking pickup selector switch slot
Pencil mark the slot line and the two mounting screw holes at each end. Drill the two mounting holes first.
Changing to a much smaller diameter drill bit (around 1.5mm), drill a chin of holes along the slot line,
If you have some sort of power drill guidance, run the drill with the same bit along to join up the line of small holes. If not, use an X-Acto knife to cut along the holes to join up.
Finally use a needle file to smoothen and widen the edges to a professional looking pickup selector switch slot
drewfx
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Thanks for the replies. I hadn't thought of using a Dremel, but that seems like a reasonable solution.
But in the end, I decided to go with a standard metal plate, as the wood plate didn't go as well with the body as I had hoped. But who knows, there may be a future project...
And Dan025, I'm always jealous of you guys who have access to proper tools. And double jealous that you really know how to use them - I get by okay with my basic hand tools, but sometimes it takes a looong time to accomplish what I'm sure you could do better in 2 minutes.
drewfx
But in the end, I decided to go with a standard metal plate, as the wood plate didn't go as well with the body as I had hoped. But who knows, there may be a future project...
And Dan025, I'm always jealous of you guys who have access to proper tools. And double jealous that you really know how to use them - I get by okay with my basic hand tools, but sometimes it takes a looong time to accomplish what I'm sure you could do better in 2 minutes.
drewfx
