Slightly OT: Drill Bits for Arcade Cabinet Buttons

brianon

I need to get a 1 1/8th " Spade Drill bit to cut holes in a 3/4" thick control Panel (wood) for the pushbuttons.

However, everywhere here (Ireland) sells them in standard mm sizes 25, 28, 32...
1 1/8th" Inch is 28.5mm which can't seem to be found here.

I can buy them from the states over the web but anyone know anywhere in Ireland I might find these ?

Any help much appreciated.

Hellrazer

Get yourself a "stepped cone" drill bit.There range is in the size you want.And since its cone shaped you can stop drilling when the hole is the exact size you want.
Richie

brianon

Thanks but I tried the 28mm and it works perfectly

watty

Also for aluminium or steel panels you can get a "hole punch"

You drill a hole for the bolt that connects the two halves.

Bolt it together, one half each side of panel and tighten up bolt with spanner or socket set. Very neat. Go slow, make sure well oiled or bolt will snap.

Great for odd shapes such as 9pin or 15 pin D-connectors, or socket with flat to stop it turning. Available for most switches and connectors. try radionics in Dublin or Farnell etc.

I use parcel tape on surface of fancy panels to avoid scratches while drilling/ cutting. Extra layers if I'm using jigsaw on aluminium or Stainless steel.

Stainless steel is a pig. Each line cut wastes a blade. You get two or three holes out of a drill bit.

Blisterman

Why does woodies sell everything in Metric? Most stuff is converted from imperial and rounded off, so it's not very accurate.