Hole drill sizes in standard?

[debutvm]

I am building my first real stompbox and found a thread that had the hole sizes listed in metric, but none in standard.
What are the standard sizes for common holes need in enclosures? I need open jacks, standard pots, dc jack, and led. Thanks in advance guys.

-kyle

[Skreddy]

Get a unibit in standard sizes.  This is the best way to cut holes in diecast aluminum.  A standard drill bit will seize when it penetrates through, and it will cut a funky shape, but a unibit slices the sides evenly as it cuts through and no seizing.  Plus it's cheaper than buying multiple bits anyway.

I think Switchcraft jacks are like 1/2", 3PDT's are 5/8", and LED bezels (the chrome kind) are like 3/8".  But just compare your hardware to the unibit and figure out where to drill to yourself rather than trusting me.  Actually, I'm probably remembering the nut sizes rather than the hole sizes!  So jacks are probably like 3/8", LED bezels are probably like 1/4", etc.   

[debutvm]

Ok I will get the unitibits. What do you mean compare them to the unibits? Im still lost about the sizes, more or less confused...

[The Tone God]

The function is your friend.

Search criteria: drill hole sizes

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=19057.0

Personal I don't like unibits but instead prefer proper drill bits for the job but I'm sure many find unibits satisfactory for their needs. If you already have appropriate drill bits and a drill press I would save the money from a unibit for lube.

BTW, what is "standard" ? The worldwide standard is metric. Only third world countries still use the imperial/avoirdupois system.

Andrew

[debutvm]

I just drilled the pot holes and tried to mount them in. I noticed the dont sit flush with the casing. They have a little edge that sticks up..I suppose this is to keep the pot from grounding out on the case. How do you tighten and mount these pots w/out having a slanted shaft? Is there  a trick to this?

[The Tone God]

By "edge" do you mean tab ? You can break that off or drill a hole for it.

Andrew

[John Lyons]

Inibits are simple and easy to use. Having all the right sized bits is better. The unibit is just easy and all the sizes are right there...mostly. It's easy to drill too many steps and end up with a larger hole that you want. But practice makes perfect.
To "get your feet wet" I would get a piece of hardwood/metal/plastic/anything and drill the holes in it and test fit your parts until you find the correct sizes.
You can wite down a little cheat sheet with the sizes of your common jacks and switches etc. After a while your get it all sorted out.
Just measure the size of the Jack/switch etc and aproximate until you find the right fit. Use a little motor oil (in a Pinch) or some cutting oil if you have some/can get some...even on aluminum it will keep things shaper and cutt better. A drill press is nice if you can get your hands on one. Nice staigh holes and a flat surface...

John

[debutvm]

yeah the tab. thats ok to file down? whats its purpose?

[KORGULL]

That tab is there so you can drill another hole for it to go in - so the pot housing won't rotate when you turn the shaft. It's not really necessary to do that and like The Tone God said just snap it off with pliers. Most people do that it seems. If you have any problems with the pot moving (I never have), you can try one of those lock washers with the teeth between the pot and inside of the box.