The purpose for this project is to show that one can make a drum trigger that is on par with the big guys. The X4L is a rack mount (using 1/2″ L-rod mounts), low profile mesh head trigger. You can see the concept drawing here X4L Main Layout. Now don’t feel overwhelmed by the look of this layout. I will take you step by step to build this from the ground up. The cost for this trigger is about $32.00. You can see the Parts List, just click on the thumb nail. Keep in mind the costs for this trigger is based on the number of parts used in one trigger. Most of the hardware had to be bought in minimum quantity. Because of this my total McMaster-Carr order came to $117.86 (that includes shipping!). It might sound like a lot of money, but keep in mind that amount of hardware purchased is enough to build about 10 triggers (minus the Rubber-Insulated Rivet Nuts, there is only enough for 5 triggers).

Cutting the MDF

Tools needed for this section:
– scissors
– pencil
– jig saw with blades
– drill with 3/16″ & 1/4″ drill bits, 1/2″ & 1″ spade bits, and 1-1/2″ hole saw
– hole punch or nail
– foam sanding block
– clamps (to hold down the MDF when cutting)

First thing I will do is print out all the X4L templates that I made to make cutting a little easier. The templates can be found here. It is a good idea to print these on card stock. Trust me on this one, you will thank me later. The templates were designed to be printed on a standard 8-1/2″ x 11″ printer. Be sure to print actual size. DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT SCALE THE PRINT TO FIT THE PAGE WHEN PRINTING. The size will be all wrong if you scale to fit. Now cut out the templates, and using tape, tape them together. With the template in hand we can now trace the main template (The big one that looks like the Millennium Falcon) on to the 3/4″ MDF. Be sure to also mark your drill holes. This can be done with a punch or a nail. After you do the main trace and mark the drill hole, we can now cut out the two areas of the template in the middle. Trace the two areas to each main trace layout. Grab that jigsaw and start sawing. Take your time doing this. If you do not use a jig saw often, you may find it difficult to get nice looking cuts. I’m cutting out five of these trigger bases, and I can tell you that the third one & on look descent.

I guess I will call the first two practice. After cutting out the main traces, refer to the template for the size and type of drill bits to use for all of the holes. When drilling the holes, be sure to clamp a piece of scrap wood to the bottom of the MDF bases. This will prevent the holes from breaking out on the bottom. When using the hole saw for the large 1-1/2″ hole, be sure to stop and clean out the hole saw every 5-8 seconds or so of drilling. If you don’t, it will just burn up your saw and MDF.

Well, I guess that is enough information for now. In the next post we will take on the aluminum mounting plates, and start putting the mounting system together.