Our next step is to construct the boards many of the components will be mounted on - we call these "eyelet boards". First, we need a template to transfer where we need to drill holes - these are available at the AX84
site. Here's one:
First, I print them with no scaling (they are pdf's) to make sure they're the correct size. Then punch holes where necessary and use a sharpie to mark the actual board. I ordered the board material and eyelets from
Watts Tube Audio . It is available in many sizes - typically I use 1/16" thick 2.625" width or 2.875" width.
You need to order double the length you will need so a piece of blank board without holes can be used as an insulator placed behind the component board when it is mounted.
So I have transferred drill holes from the template with a Sharpie and drilled 1/8" holes... next I need to insert and set the eyelets. The eyelets are small circular metal pieces that component leads will be mounted through and soldered to. The eyelets are mounted with an eyelet staking tool. This is sort of like a nail set or center punch. I got mine from Watts here . Make sure you get the eyelet staking tool. There is another type of mounting hardware called a turret - I have never used them but they can be used just as an eyelet would. The process is simple - place the eyelet in the hole, flip the board over and set it by hammering the tool into the back side of the eyelet. I use a piece of wood to hammer on - if you stake on a hard surface the eyelet will be flattened out and we don't want that. The back of the eyelet is expanded and drawn tight to the board.
Here is a photo of the staking process...
and the finished board.
Next up will be the process of mounting components to the finished board.... til then.... adieu.
