Fireworks Controller

Step 5 Drill the LED holes

Next we'll drill 48 holes for the LEDs. I did not use the template for them, I simply eyeballed their location. I used a 1/4" drill bit for them, and put them on either side of each pushbutton, slightly below center.

Arrange them however you want to on yours (below the buttons, above them, on one side of them, etc.)

After you have all the holes drilled, you'll have to sand down the backsides of them so that the back parts of the LED mounts can snap on to the front parts. The wood is too thick do do this without sanding it down. I used the barrel-shaped sanding bit for the dremel to do this, by pushing down on one side, rotating 180 degrees and doing it again (see pictures). If you can find a different way to mount the LEDs you might not have to do this.

Now that all the woodworking is done, we move on to mounting the panel's electronic components.

Comments

[Mikey8567]

Instead of removing wood to thin it out to allow the LED holders to snap into place you can use a simple method of hot glue. Yes it sounds cheesy but really it's not, if you open a lot of stuff you find that manufactures use hot glue on a lot of stuff, this includes holding panel face components in (LED's, ect), they use it to hold small wires in place where a clamp or fastener can't be installed, providing support and clearance for displays, and many other things. By pushing the LED thru the front face of the panel and then applying hot glue to the back side your doing two things. #1 Holding the LED (and sockets) in place. #2 your providing strain relief on the small 22AWG wiring that is attached to the LED's. No hot glue isn't the answer for every thing and should not be used in some cases. But it has many uses and is a very cheap alt to a lot of support and fastening.

[Kasm279]

I agree with this :)

[Jaxoat]

Another option would be to use 2 different Forstner bits. Forstner bits make really nice flat bottom holes. Drill from the front for the smaller "through" hole and then from the back with a larger. Secure your work and if possible, use a drill press to keep the 2nd bit from wandering.

[systemf92]

I will be sure to get ahold of some, next time I need to drill holes. Thanks! Wish I had a drill press, though... haha