Need Suggestions on layout management

[rdtindsm]

I am learning Java on my own. I working on swing, and am developing an RPN calculator as an exercise. I coded a working version using netbeans, and am hand coding the GUI in eclipse.

I used the gridbag layout manager in the hand coded version. Both versions look like they were built laid out with crayons. To wit, the buttons are overly large, and if I try to set the size, the labeling text just turn to elipses. This happens for the same minimum size whether I am use a large or small font.

I also don't have quite the control over the layout that I would like, but my current problem is that the GUI looks like it is using buttons designed for a child's playset.

Should I be using a different layout manager. Will I have to hand code the component layout placements and sizes? My immediate concern is reducing the size of the layout, and I am looking for a little direction to short circuit my research.

[Fubarable]

Can you post a snipped picture of your current app, possibly both versions?

[Fubarable]

By the way, I know several coders, myself included, who try to avoid the GridBagLayout at almost all costs. Usually you can get more control of the layout and easier by nesting other simpler Layout Managers.