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Mini Toggle Switches/Threaded Shaft Length

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by Lonnybass, Jan 3, 2015.

  1. Jan 3, 2015 #1
    Lonnybass

    Lonnybass

    Jul 19, 2000
    San Diego
    Endorsing Artist: Pedulla Basses
    Hi guys-

    I'm wondering if anyone knows which one of the suppliers might happen to sell mini toggle switches with threaded shaft lengths longer than 5/16?

    I've had to rout an extra deep section of my control cavities to accommodate switches that aren't as long as potentiometer shafts and I'd rather have the whole cavity floor be at the same thickness for strength and durability, not to mention the ability to glue a flat sheet of aluminum or polycarbonate to the cavity floor for added strength. Appreciate everyone's thoughts.

    Lonnybass
     
  2. Jan 3, 2015 #2
    Bruce Johnson

    Bruce Johnson Gold Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 4, 2011
    Fillmore, CA
    Professional Luthier
    One thing you can do is drill the hole through the wood larger, like big enough for the socket that goes over the switch's nut. Make the hole in the aluminum plate the size for the threaded sleeve. The switch clamps just on the aluminum, not on the wood. It's more solid, and it recesses the nut and washer below the wood surface.
     
  3. Jan 3, 2015 #3
    Lonnybass

    Lonnybass

    Jul 19, 2000
    San Diego
    Endorsing Artist: Pedulla Basses
    That's a great idea Bruce. Do you ground the aluminum cavity plate as part of the wire-up? Just thinking through whether it makes more sense to use copper foil or shielding paint on this one given the aluminum.

    Lonnybass
     
  4. Jan 3, 2015 #4
    Bruce Johnson

    Bruce Johnson Gold Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 4, 2011
    Fillmore, CA
    Professional Luthier
    The aluminum plate will automatically be connected to the ground side of the pots and the jack, by their mechanical connection. So it's the ceiling of your shielding box. Use paint and/or foil for the side walls and the underside of the cover, and make sure they are all electrically connected together.
     
  5. Jan 3, 2015 #5
    Lonnybass

    Lonnybass

    Jul 19, 2000
    San Diego
    Endorsing Artist: Pedulla Basses
    Easy! :)