avengers63 Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 How do y'all cut the line for a fender-style blade switch? Do you use a teeny bit - like with a Dremel - and a straight-edge guide and some stop blocks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 thats pretty much it. i used to do them by drilling a seriers of holes, sawing though and tidying up with sandpaper around a metal ruler with care it worked fine... that was before i had the dremel and router base - much easier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddW Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 I just did one with the drilled holes and a saw blade. It cleaned up ok with sandpaper and my secret weapon, those fingernail emery boards. But it was sooooo much work, that last night I ordered the 335 plunge router base for my dremel from amazon. For $25.xx (so free super saver shipping ) it will pay for itself in annoyance savings on my next build. Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xanthus Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 (edited) I actually used a different method for doing mine on the second build: -I drilled 1/16" holes at the end points of the switch. -I exacto'd the dots together with a straightedge, keep going over the line until you break through to the other side. a thin cavity wall helps -Take a thin file (I used a nail file) and widen the slot. -Wrap the file in sandpaper to get to thickness I was more confident using this method because I didn't have to worry about any bits slipping, any straightedge wavering, the Dremel chipping..... stuff like that. ::EDIT:: I didn't even realize that Todd posted basically the same thing as I did. And Wez too. That's a sure sign I need me some sleeps. Edited August 27, 2008 by Xanthus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avengers63 Posted August 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 I was more confident using this method because I didn't have to worry about any bits slipping, any straightedge wavering, the Dremel chipping..... stuff like that. That sounds like a great reason NOT to pick up the Dremel. It sounds a LOT more time consuming, but if the results are less safer, then for my money, it's the logical choice. As usual, thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddW Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 My top was 1/4" thick maple over the controls, so it was a lot of work to cut that slot. Next time I'm hoping to use the dremel with the router base and a jig. I'll test it first though to make sure it won't wander off the line. Walmart and most drug stores sell these diamond grit nail files for a couple of bucks. They don't last long on wood, but they are very thin and work well to clean up slots and such. Good luck, Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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