best way to cut hole in console for fuel meter

[mstacey]

Ok its arrived, a shiny Navman f41 fuel monitor.

Seems simple enough to fit, the sensor goes inline in the fuel pipe so simply cut the fuel line insert the sensor and clip the pipe on using the supplied connectors.

It crossed my mind to remove the wemar fuel sender meter already fitted in the console and simply substitute the new Navman unit but sadlly there is insuffcient depth behind the surface in that location.

So whats the best way to drill a 2 inch circular hole in the console without cracking the finish ?

I thought about one of those circular cutters you get for drills to cut holes in wood, is this the right way to go ?

[Mike Garside]

Yes, Martin, but make sure you buy a professional hole cutter and use a high powered drill and not cheapo DIY toys from Homebase. Been there, done that and learned the hard way!

[Ribald]

I would agree with Mike - you need a proper hole cutter for the job. If you have a Plumb Center near you they do both the arbours and the blades of the right size - well worth the cost.

Also make sure that you use a small pilot drill for the centre point first. Cover the area with masking tape and use a variable speed drill starting slowly and gradually increasing speed as the blade bites into the consul.

[thewavehumper]

there is always Screwfix for hole cutters also. The best way of getting a perfect job done however is to get Pete7 to do it for you.

I would really reccomend that you found an old bit of GRP or shiny Plastic and had a few practice shots first. I would not give it full welly with the drill about a 1000 rev's is quite sufficient If you have a variable speed drill then start of slow .

Drill a small pilot hole for the Drill arbor say an eigth of an inch. this will the guide the Pilot bit in the hole cutter. It stops the hole cutter from slipping.

I am also sure you are clever enough to surround and cover the excavation site with Masking tape to avoid colateral damage.

Hole Cutter. the guys are right use a good one Diston is a good make B and Q sell em. You have to buy the Arbor and Saw seperately do not buy the hole cutters that come with several clip in blades they are not so easy to use.

[Storm]

If the area you are going to drill through is purely made up of glass fibber and no ply wood then the tool for the job is a diamond tip hole saw. They have more of a filing effect rather than large sharp teeth that will risk chipping the gel goat away from the glass. The diamond tip hole saws are available from most good tool suppliers try Merlin Accessories in Winchester.

[gavin]

WE had experience of vibration in the fuel line giving false flow rates in the transducer, you may have to introduce some really flexible hose each side of the sensor,to allow it to dampen out the vibration if it arises in the installiation gavin