[sdiy] Learned something today...

[Colin f]

> You could try using a PCB as a drilling guide directly... or 
> getting a lazer
> plotted
> film as a full size guide. If you tried to lat out the panel 
> on the metal, I
> can see
> that not working for you.

A handy free bit of software for creating a drilling template is
Schaeffer FrontPanel Designer.
Obviously it is meant for designing a panel for manufacture, but you can
print out your panel in wireframe mode, with reference points. This
gives you little red crosses at all the centre points of the holes.
I take the print out, align it on the panel, hold it on firmly with
tape, then centre punch all the holes.
Once the holes are centre punched, even a hand drill can be accurate
enough if you're careful.
You do need to use a printer with accurate alignment - I found my laser
printer isn't as accurate as my deskjet. Plus the deskjet prints A3.

And if you make a total arse of it, you can just send the fpd file to
Schaeffer and be done with it.

Colin f