Cutting Holes in Consoles...

Markyboyo · 30 June 2008, 18:46

Whats the best method/impliment folks? Planning on using a Jigsaw with a very fine toothed blade.
Any comments/experiences would be welcome!

Lugnut · 30 June 2008, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markyboyo

Whats the best method/impliment folks? Planning on using a Jigsaw with a very fine toothed blade.
Any comments/experiences would be welcome!

I haven't done it myself, but from reading the archives here, the preference seems to be a router and template to ensure it doesn't get away from ya.

martini · 30 June 2008, 19:02

I'm using a jigsaw on mine at the mo, I found the blades dont last long at all!

I'm also using hole saws for the round holes

Slomofo · 30 June 2008, 19:03

..depends on the size/shape of the hole, round ones I used a Tank Saw (the circular adjustable one with a pilot drill) Square was a jigsaw with a wood/plastic guide gaffataped down to keep it straight as poss....

Cypman · 30 June 2008, 19:22

I'm with Martini on this one, pilot holes then jig-saw and hole saws for the round (instrument) holes. It helps if you put masking tape on the area where the jig-saw guide plates will travel as they can easily scratch the gel-coat.
Angle grinders are also useful for tidying up the rough edges.

matt h · 30 June 2008, 19:55

i use these, accurate and easy to work, got it off off e bay, they come in different course grit first of all drill 15 or so holes and then use the sanding drums to finish

BruceB · 30 June 2008, 20:09

Use a proper ceramic/glassfibre cutting blade in the jigsaw, these cut glassfibre like butter and last for ever.
Using a metal blade just overheats it and after it is blunt it basically burns its way through.
Put masking tape all over the area to stop the plate marking the surface and remove when cut finished

Markyboyo · 30 June 2008, 20:10

Thanks for all the quick replies guys, I've had a look at the "Archives" and I think that some masking tape, a glassfibre blade and jigsaw will be my chosen method folled up with a bit of the B&D wizard!

Lugnut · 30 June 2008, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lugnut

I haven't done it myself, but from reading the archives here, the preference seems to be a router and template to ensure it doesn't get away from ya.

I stand corrected!

Erin · 30 June 2008, 21:54

Yep. i can confirm from experience that a decent hole saw for round holes and a fibreglass jigsaw blade for any otyher shapes. It's very easy to cut fibreglass, with these tools, just make sure you wear a mask and goggles... it makes a hell of a lot of dust.

Tim M · 01 July 2008, 09:52

Adjustable hole saw off ebay for round holes, angle grinder for everything else.

alexm · 01 July 2008, 16:26

Agree with above, adjustable hole cutter for round holes and jigsaw with ceramic/fibreglass blade for anything else. Because the blade erodes rather than cuts in the traditional sense you can actually edge it slightly sideways to nibble at intricate parts of the cut.

If the manufacturer of the equipment you are fitting provides an electronic template (e.g. PDF) you can print it onto an A4 sized sticky label and stick it in place. You can then cut round the lines whilst the sticker protects the surface from scratches/chips. (Always measure to check it has printed to scale though!)

e.g. http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...ate#post191221