[sdiy] Front Panel Express Template question

[Adam Schabtach]

> You could always back a thin piece with another piece.
> Use two-part epoxy to glue the panel to a thicker piece of sheet or 
> plate as a backing.  If you were only using FPE to do the 
> engraving/finishing and were going to drill your own holes anyway, as 
> Michael Ruberto suggested, then this wouldn't add much to your effort.

I'm not gonna drill my own holes. Drilling several Stooge Panels has
convinced me that even with a center punch, a drill press, and the best of
intentions, I'm entirely happy to pay someone else to drill my panels. :-)

OTOH, I haven't yet tried using those stepped bits that people mentioned
here awhile ago. I found some at Costco(!) but haven't yet had the
opportunity to try them on aluminum. They work pretty well on plexiglass,
though, except that it starts to melt a bit.

--Adam