What size drill bits do you use to drill holes in CPR playfields prior to driving in screws?
I'm sure there must be 2 or 3 sizes that take care of most all holes.
(Topic ID: 95039)
Bothell, WA
For the majority I use 3/32"...top and underside. For the ball guides I use 5/64...with a little "reaming"
Quoted from Freeplay40:For the majority I use 3/32"...top and underside. For the ball guides I use 5/64...with a little "reaming"
Ok 5/64 for ball wire guides, 3/32 for #6 wood screws, and 7/64 for #8 wood screws?
Also, a drill press should work good for nice straight holes and controlling depth, but can't get to the center on the playfield (10 inches from edge on mine). How do you keep it straight from the top where the drill press won't fit? I imagine the underside in not as critical on straightness as long as depth in controlled.
Thanks
I free hand everything...No Drill press.... eyeball for straight is good enough and if there is already a pilot hole, the bit will follow it anyway. One drill set up with the bit and another with Phillips or 1/4" socket for driving. If there is no pilot hole already I would use a center punch. Not so critical for depth when drilling the top side, but need to be careful when drilling the bottom side so that you don't come through to the top. Some people use drill stops that attach to the bits, but they can scratch the playfield and God forbid they slip up the bit and you don't notice it. I just put a piece of tape on the bit and you don't need to drill that far. I'd guess that with the playfield being just over 1/2" thick, that I probably only drill about 3/8" at the most.
Quoted from Freeplay40:I free hand everything...No Drill press.... eyeball for straight is good enough and if there is already a pilot hole, the bit will follow it anyway. One drill set up with the bit and another with Phillips or 1/4" socket for driving. If there is no pilot hole already I would use a center punch. Not so critical for depth when drilling the top side, but need to be careful when drilling the bottom side so that you don't come through to the top. Some people use drill stops that attach to the bits, but they can scratch the playfield and God forbid they slip up the bit and you don't notice it. I just put a piece of tape on the bit and you don't need to drill that far. I'd guess that with the playfield being just over 1/2" thick, that I probably only drill about 3/8" at the most.
Good info! Thanks.
6 months later
I'm wondering what the best procedure is for installing the ball wire guides?
I feel like the pre-drilled holes are 5/64" and the wires are 3/32" -- I realize we want a snug fit -- but I'm wondering the best way to get them driven in?
I don't want to put a single nick or scratch in my CPR PF.
I almost wish the ends of the wires were tapered.
-mof
Quoted from mof:I'm wondering what the best procedure is for installing the ball wire guides?
I feel like the pre-drilled holes are 5/64" and the wires are 3/32" -- I realize we want a snug fit -- but I'm wondering the best way to get them driven in?
I don't want to put a single nick or scratch in my CPR PF.
I almost wish the ends of the wires were tapered.
-mof
I believe I went 1/8 to a depth of less than a 1/16" so the wire didn't spread the top layer and crack the clear coat. I then drove it in from there so it is snug. Ymmv. Be careful not to go through the backside like me. It will splinter the wood. Grrr
Quoted from Skins:I believe I went 1/8 to a depth of less than a 1/16" so the wire didn't spread the top layer and crack the clear coat. I then drove it in from there so it is snug. Ymmv. Be careful not to go through the backside like me. It will splinter the wood. Grrr
I like that idea of opening the hole to the width of the wire 3/32" with a 3/32 bit, to just below the clear, so at least the clear isn't impacted by the hammering... Nice tip!
-mof
Got a routine working for me. 5/64" bit to clear out the hole a hair, then a few turns with a tapered reamer to widen the opening 1/64" to 3/32" is the hole setup. After hand polishing the wire on the bench buffer, I'm dremeling the end of each wire at a 45' just a tad (think of a nail) to make this a lot smoother.
Happy Camper!
-mof
Quoted from highspeed:Ok 5/64 for ball wire guides, 3/32 for #6 wood screws, and 7/64 for #8 wood screws?
Also, a drill press should work good for nice straight holes and controlling depth, but can't get to the center on the playfield (10 inches from edge on mine). How do you keep it straight from the top where the drill press won't fit? I imagine the underside in not as critical on straightness as long as depth in controlled.
Thanks
If you are anxious on strictly controlling the vertical accuracy and depth it should be possible to use a portable handymans' bench drill attachment clamped to the playfield with the drill press section swung around to your pf hole.
Quoted from johninc:Spade bit? Where's a good place to buy these sizes?
Oops, I meant brad tip bit. Looks like leevalley.com is a good source.
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