by sbelyo » Tue May 04, 2004 10:59 am
I drilled them with a step drill 7/8" then soldered the tube sockets and dry fitted the tubes to make shure everything fit nice. If you are just building one it isn't worth it to have him punch the panels for you. I think it would push the cost over $70.00 (not shure). This case was $28.00 off ebay plus shipping $7.00 The step drill would cost $25 - $30 and you'd have it for other projects.
1. Just use the board as a template, take a fine point sharpie marker and mark the holes.
2. You can eyeball the position of the board or use a straight edge (carpenter's square$5 - $10) to line it up.
3. Definitely get a center punch (around $10), then once you've marked your holes tap them with the center punch and a hammer (1 tap will do, don't go crazy). This will start the drill bit on center.
4. You can drill a small pilot hole and then start with the step drill going through each size slowly. If it seem to be cutting rough use some wd-40 or 3 in 1 oil to lube the bit as it does it's job.
That should give you nice holes.