Finally no more wandering holes!!

[rikkards]

I saw this link and thought I had to post it:
http://gizmodo.com/356432/smart-guide-drill+aid-will-stop-your-holes-wandering-yes-i-said-holes

Since this is going to make a drill bit wandering a thing of the past (well that remains to be seen) when drilling holes in enclosures, what did you previously do to ensure where you wanted to drill was where you actually drilled?

[Timebutt]

What works for me is a center punch: I just use a nail with a sharp tip and hit it a few times with a hammer so that a small dot is punched into the enclosure. Then I take the smalles drilling bit I have and start from there on.
Still have good results using this simple technique, so no huge worries for me about wandering holes

[axg20202]

That's got to be the most overengineered solution to a problem I've seen in quite some time. Centre punch does fine with a normal drill and a good sharp bit. If not, buy a cheap drill press - much more useful than this thing.

[DougH]

A drill press will solve the problem of keeping the work at a right-angle to the bit. But you can still get bit-wandering if you don't clamp the work (which I don't for light aluminum). Punching a dimple with a nail set does the trick for me.

[Mark Hammer]

My spring-loaded center-punch is probably one of the better expenditures in my life.

[jefe]

That's got to be the most overengineered solution to a problem I've seen in quite some time. Centre punch does fine with a normal drill and a good sharp bit. If not, buy a cheap drill press - much more useful than this thing.

I completely agree - that contraption is overkill. I may be relatively new to pedal building, but I know a thing or two about metalworking. A nail or center punch with a hammer is all you need. Now I've got a spring loaded punch, no hammer necessary - but if you've got a nail and a hammer, you're all set.

[gutsofgold]

I find that a nice (read "centered") center punch works wonders. If you keep the tip sharp by rubbing it on a sanding block you'll get accurate, deep indents. Works fine for enclosures and pcb's. 

[the_random_hero]

I use an automatic prick punch, just line the hole up and push down on it hard. Internal hammer mechanisms FTW 

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Google for "plunge drill".
Wish I'd had one in the past - I think my carpentry days are over, now there are shelves EVERYWHERE..