Direct Mounting Leaf Switches

D_Harris

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I'm not sure what is normal for use on wood control panels, but I was reading Bob Robert's site where he covers long and short button options.

Since I'm making some control panels, and the material will be 3/4" thick plywood, I was hoping to direct mount all my leaf switches so I wouldn't have to worry about or purchase more leaf switch holders as long as I use long buttons and recess the holes.(I think).

Anyway, I was just wondering if experiences with direct mounting make it more desirable than having to use holder.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
The main advantage is not having to use the leraf holders.
My wood Joust CP had recessed holes for the buttons and didn't need the leaf holders just the pal nuts.
If you recess them you won't need the holders.
I mistakenly drilled mine all the way through and then had to use the holders on my Multi Williams cp.
 
Thanks.

I think the trick is to drill 1/2" holes all the way through. And then drill each hole down 1/4" with a 1-1/8" Forstner's bit.

I'm thinking I'll get the "short" leaf switch buttons with Pal nuts from Bob Roberts.

I do have several sets of the import joystick leaf switches: http://www.therealbobroberts.net/joyleaf4.jpg

They are shorter than the original Williams leaf switches:
http://www.therealbobroberts.net/wmsleaf.jpg

So the big question is, is it plausible to use them under the buttons anyway.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
I think the trick is to drill 1/2" holes all the way through. And then drill each hole down 1/4" with a 1-1/8" Forstner's bit.

I think you have that backwards. I would drill down the 1/4" with the 1-1/8" Forstner bit first. Then, using the center mark that the Forstner bit used, drill the 1/2" holes on through. Otherwise, it is really difficult to center up the 1-1/8" recess.
 
I think you have that backwards. I would drill down the 1/4" with the 1-1/8" Forstner bit first. Then, using the center mark that the Forstner bit used, drill the 1/2" holes on through. Otherwise, it is really difficult to center up the 1-1/8" recess.

Not if you have a drill press.

The Forstner bit should have an easier time with a hole already there, because the saw dust will have a place to exit.

Either way, it should work. (But a step drill of the right maximum diameter might be even better).

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York
 
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