drill bit sizes

[mordechai]

I just obtained a drill press and want to begin drilling my enclosures...could someone please tell me which drill bit sizes I need for the following holes:

1. standard holes for pots
2. a 5mm LED hole (I'm using those black plastic LED holders where you can push the LED into it and it "hugs" it)
3. standard input/output jack holes
4. stomp switch hole

Thanks!

[CodeMonk]

Just get a Uni-Bit.
a 3-pack is like $15.

[defaced]

In addition to a uni-bit, buy an inexpensive pair of calipers.  I digital or dial, they will save you LOADS of time because you can measure the OD of a part instead of looking at datasheets or guessing. I think I got mine from eBay for 10-15 bucks.  Harbor Freight also has a pair, might be more expensive through. 

[lopsided]

buying a caliper is a good advice. it is handy for all kinds of stuff.
I usually go  7mm for pots, 10mm for jacks, 12mm for stompswitches, and 13mm for dc jacks I use.
The best is to measure all your stuff so you'll sure it fits.

[iccaros]

Just get a Uni-Bit.
a 3-pack is like $15.

at lowes or Home Depot they are $30 - $40 Harbor freight has them for $18 for the three pack

@mordechai
There are no standard sizes.... you have to look for the parts you want, and in the description should be the size....

[euronymous0001]

2. a 5mm LED hole (I'm using those black plastic LED holders where you can push the LED into it and it "hugs" it)
Thanks!

LED bezel

[boogietone]

You can get the following from Harbor Freight

• Calipers (http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=calipers). I have the 6" digital, which helps in measuring box sizes. The 4" would be good as well.
• A step bit/UniBit set (http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=unibit).
• A pack of 1/8" bits (http://www.harborfreight.com/1-8-eighth-inch-high-speed-steel-titanium-nitride-drill-bits-10-pack-93079.html).
• A center punch (no recommendation mine is probably 20 years old).
• And cutting oil from Lowes, Home Depot, or where ever.

My method is to center punch all holes to help center the bit. I drill all holes initially with the 1/8" inch bit. Then use a step bit to enlarge each one. Taking note of the number of steps for each kind of item (jack, dc plug, 16mm pot, LED bezel, etc) on the first box will make it faster to get the right size hole by counting steps instead of stopping the drill and measuring on future boxes.

You could probably use a larger bit than 1/8" to drill the pilot hole with if you like or just do away with it altogether, though I think does make it easier when drilling steel plate. I use it also because I keep the lock tab on the pots to make them easier to line them up and an 1/8" hole is a good size for the tab. Once you have gotten all of the holes the right size, flip the enclosure over and run the step bit gently in each hole to deburr the "backside."

You probably know this, but, wear good eye protection and watch your fingers and loose clothing.

[CodeMonk]

Just get a Uni-Bit.
a 3-pack is like $15.

at lowes or Home Depot they are $30 - $40 Harbor freight has them for $18 for the three pack

@mordechai
There are no standard sizes.... you have to look for the parts you want, and in the description should be the size....

Yeah I got mine at Harbor Freight.
Also picked up a decent set of digital calipers for $10 during a sale.
Harbor freight has sales all the time.

[Talon5051]

Here are a couple of pages that should be helpful:

http://www.syndromet.com/drill.pdf. 

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=30945  About midway down the page has some useful hole sizes.

[iccaros]

Just get a Uni-Bit.
a 3-pack is like $15.

at lowes or Home Depot they are $30 - $40 Harbor freight has them for $18 for the three pack

@mordechai
There are no standard sizes.... you have to look for the parts you want, and in the description should be the size....


During the pre fathers day sell, I bought there 5 speed drill press for $38 plus I had a 20% off coupon so I threw in the stepper bits... Now I need the drill press vice.. Too many pedals ripped from my hand..

Yeah I got mine at Harbor Freight.
Also picked up a decent set of digital calipers for $10 during a sale.
Harbor freight has sales all the time.

[CodeMonk]

Just get a Uni-Bit.
a 3-pack is like $15.

at lowes or Home Depot they are $30 - $40 Harbor freight has them for $18 for the three pack

@mordechai
There are no standard sizes.... you have to look for the parts you want, and in the description should be the size....


Did the same thing last year.
And the vise I got was like $6 or something.

During the pre fathers day sell, I bought there 5 speed drill press for $38 plus I had a 20% off coupon so I threw in the stepper bits... Now I need the drill press vice.. Too many pedals ripped from my hand..

Yeah I got mine at Harbor Freight.
Also picked up a decent set of digital calipers for $10 during a sale.
Harbor freight has sales all the time.