[sdiy] LEDs protruding through front panels

[David G. Dixon]

Yes, Ben, I've been bitten thus before, but in this case the hole was
already drilled, and is am holding it very firmly with both hands.  Also, I
don't find that thick 5052 aluminum has a tendency to bind very much, but
point definitely taken!

> Hi David.
> 
> If your panel is metal, that's a potentially dangerous technique (unless
> you're using a *very* low-torque drill, like maybe a Dremel). If the bit
> binds in the metal, it will turn your panel into a whirling blade of
> finger-chopping destruction. For plastic it's still dangerous, but more
> to the panel in terms of hitting something and breaking apart.
> 
> Drill presses are designed to do what you describe but in a safe way -
> clamp the panel to the frame and it (and the bit) will be even more
> steady than you could hold it with your hands as you use the press to
> move the bit instead of the panel.
> 
> A little off-topic, but Neal Stephenson uses the similar behaviour of
> the Milwaukee Hole-Hog when it binds as an analogy for Unix in "In the
> Beginning Was the Command Line", which is a good read.
> 
> - Ben
> 
> David G. Dixon wrote:
> > It turns out that the 13/64" drill is too big.  Luckily, I learned this
> > without trying it out on my panel first!
> >
> > What seems to work is to hold the panel firmly in both hands, slide it
> up
> > onto the rotating 3/16" drill bit, and move it up and down with gentle
> > gyration for 10 seconds or so.  Now the LEDs are a tight fit to the
> hilt.
> >
> > I will definitely check out the numbered drills, though.  Thanks for all
> the
> > great replies!
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Synth-diy mailing list
> > Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> > http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Synth-diy mailing list
> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy