White Lettering/engraving

[Tomlin]

Also, when making your own panels, how do you home builders make all the square holes? I started on a Lear MIP this weekend and Im anxious to find out different ways to get small sized square holes for buttons, etc. Obviously a jig saw with a very sharp blade could be used, but I have to beleive that there may be something better. Maybe a scroll saw?

[JBaymore]

I wonder if this can be done by a sign shop? I think I may visit a local sign shop this week now...

A franchise in the USA called "Fastsigns" can do the vinyl. It's not cheap though.

best,

..................john

[Trevor Hale]

Also, when making your own panels, how do you home builders make all the square holes? I started on a Lear MIP this weekend and Im anxious to find out different ways to get small sized square holes for buttons, etc. Obviously a jig saw with a very sharp blade could be used, but I have to beleive that there may be something better. Maybe a scroll saw?

Tomlin,

I have modified most of my panels to accept round switches, however I have some Square switches that have round holes. From the surface looks square, but underneath it is round. The other option, I have had good success with is drill a round hole and use a file to file it square.

Best regards,

Trev

[andarlite]

Also, when making your own panels, how do you home builders make all the square holes? I started on a Lear MIP this weekend and Im anxious to find out different ways to get small sized square holes for buttons, etc. Obviously a jig saw with a very sharp blade could be used, but I have to beleive that there may be something better. Maybe a scroll saw?

Tomlin

I usually drill a small hole on each corner.... then I use a coping saw.... detach the blade and stick it through one of the corner holes, re-attach to the saw and now cut out your square hole. The coping saw only works if your hole is within 5" of the panel edges. For panels where the coping saw can't fit, then I use a keyhole saw. To finish off, use a file to fine tune.

I'm sure that must be an easier way but so far I haven't had to make too many square holes and this has worked for me.


Regards,
Henry

[JBaymore]

I mostly use the drill and file method too. Occasionally I can get a sharp knife and repeated cutting of the same lines to work.... but it is exacting work (hence an eXacto-knife ).

There ARE square hole punches available for "professional grade" metal panel work ....... but they are pricey as all get out.

best,

.....................john

[Geremy Britton]

Trevor, call me stupid but what are you trying to say. I cant understand what to do at all. could you just talk me through the steps

Much appreciated, Geremy

[Westozy]

Also, when making your own panels, how do you home builders make all the square holes? I started on a Lear MIP this weekend and Im anxious to find out different ways to get small sized square holes for buttons, etc. Obviously a jig saw with a very sharp blade could be used, but I have to beleive that there may be something better. Maybe a scroll saw?

Fit a small square file to your jigsaw and clean it regularly!

Gwyn

[Tomlin]

Low and behold, my dad had a perfectly good scroll saw that he has loaned me for however long I need it. I was supposed to start cutting tonight, but we will see how it goes. Scheduling conflict with the missuss.

The file attached to the tool....interesting Gwyn!

[Trevor Hale]

Trevor, call me stupid but what are you trying to say. I cant understand what to do at all. could you just talk me through the steps

Much appreciated, Geremy

ROFL.. Drill a round hole. Put use a hand file on the round hole to square the edges of the hole. Is that what you are confused about?

[Trevor Hale]

Trevor, call me stupid but what are you trying to say. I cant understand what to do at all. could you just talk me through the steps

Much appreciated, Geremy

I get it. The square switch is square on the front and sits flat on the surface of the panel. Then the back of the switch is a round tube that you thred the nutt onto. So it is actually a round hole that it goes through, but the front of the switch is square.

Does that help? ROFL