So it's time....

[ggarms]

To finally box the ZPSDX. I'm a bit nervous about the drilling, even with the template. Do you guys have any suggestions to make sure this goes smoothly? Also, has anyone done this with regular jacks in a bb?  Or should I just get shielded jacks

[kothoma]

Don't drink and drill. Check diameters before drilling. Use a center punch. Predrill with small diameter. Use a step bit. A drill press would be great.

Shielded jacks?

Be sure to have a look at some of these great builds:
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=9771.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=10602.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=10583.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=9006.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=10591.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=9739.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=8456.0
and on and on...

[ggarms]

And the jacks... Can it be done in a bb with regulars?

[kothoma]

And the jacks... Can it be done in a bb with regulars?

Hm. What are regular ones for you?

[GermanCdn]

I'd suggest overdrilling all your pot holes and switch holes by one on your step bit, just in case your centers are a little bit off.  And truthfully, I'd put it in a 125BB as opposed to a 1590BB if you're worried about space, the extra height will give you a little more room to play with for all of your jacks.

[DutchMF]

Don't drink and drill.

This is some good advice! last night I drilled a box after a couple of beers, and messed up pretty badly. No injuries, but I haven't had the courage yet to check the results while sober........

Paul

[stevie1556]

Don't use a drill press while drunk either. You end up trying to grab a spinning box and clamp, it hurts, a lot!

Personally, I line up the template as best I can, mark the holes with a pen, then I measure them using a ruler and use a auto punch to mark the holes. Also, the holes for pots are 7mm, I always do them as 8mm just so I can move them into a slighty better position if the hole isn't perfect.

Sent from my thumbs using Tapatalk!

[ch1naski]

You don't have to be drunk. I do it sober. Then I get drunk to kill the pain.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

[wstimson]

And the jacks... Can it be done in a bb with regulars?

Yeah, you can use open frame mono jacks with it... but it is a really tight fit either way.
A lot of pre-planning.  I used the template, then drilled all the pot and switch holes first at 1/8" then at full size and mounted the board and rechecked that the jacks and stomp switches had enough room.  I don't believe I made any adjustments to them from the drill guide, but I'd still consider it a worthwhile exercise.

[ggarms]

I definitely had to make the holes bigger... threw together a quick paint job. will clear coat soon.

[rullywowr]

You don't have to be drunk. I do it sober. Then I get drunk to kill the pain.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

Totally been there.  Almost took off my thumb when a bit caught in the enclosure and spun the box around unexpectedly.  Use caution with drill presses!

[ch1naski]

I did that last week. Thumb still hurts.

Curt.

[ggarms]

its always the half inch bit that takes me for a ride.

[jimilee]

Bigger washers and a dremel tool are great!

[ggarms]

Jimi, you're more than correct!