Thread: What's the best way to create slots?

Originally Posted by bigburb

My first center console I tried building out of plexi and I used a dremel with a jig to cut the slot out, but it didn't turn out that clean. what is the best way to create these small slots for dvd player, buttons, or memory cards?

1) try to find a piece with a cd slot that you can mold in

2) get a 4" circular saw and use that to cut the slot

3) send out a piece to a place with a laser cutter

4) be very careful with a dremel/jig saw and us a sanding block

router and a guide fence. and a straight bit.

Samuri sword.

teeth

Trident

Battle Axe

plexi can be a pain in the butt. It tends to melt back together right away. You have to water-cool it to get a really clean cut, or have it cut with one of those lazer/water saws.

But, as suggested, for a CD cutout I would get the replaceable face off the front of a slim or regular cd drive and mold it into my peice. Then you get the nice styled out smooth bezel. Bonus if its one with a light in it, like some decks have.

good luck

thanks for the replies guys.... judging from your answers i'll either have it laser cut or mold the faceplate in.

if you have a tablesaw nothing could be easier.

simply clamp the workpiece right over the fully lowered blade (if youd like, you can remove your guide and install it like you are making a zero clearance insert.) and start up your saw.

now slowly raise the saw until you achieve the desired width.

itll leave some curvature on the cut on the inside, but you cna dial the outside to your desired width VERY accurately.

and itll cut a perfectly 1/8th inch wide slot.