Drilling a hole !!

MeMe · 23 September 2003, 17:07

Hi Chaps, I'm just about to install a cigarette lighter socket having finally found a waterproof one at less than a "2nd mortgage" price. Anyway, I'm sighting it on the centre console which of course is fiberglass. Can I use a simple 25mm wood bit on a high speed drill to cut my hole or not ? If not what ? Any tips appreciated. Thanks.

mstacey · 23 September 2003, 17:20

I recently did this for a two inch diameter hole for a fuel meter.

You can use a normal drill bit no problem.

First tape over the area you want to cut, mark the centre of the hole and start the drill slowly. Let the drill do the work, don't try to force it through by pushing hard.

ollie · 23 September 2003, 17:41

same as above but if you can put a bit of wood or get someone to hold something behind will stop it breaking throught at the last min and will give you a clean hole and take to very slow

chrisallse · 23 September 2003, 17:49

Its a good idea to carefully chamfer the edges of a hole in fibreglass this will stop any cracks radiating from the hole.

MeMe · 24 September 2003, 08:52

Cheers chaps, some helpful tips.

Jono Garton · 24 September 2003, 09:17

MeMe

Think you got it wrong, you said cigarette lighter, didnt you mean cigar lighter.

MeMe · 24 September 2003, 10:39

As any Cigar connoisseur knows, one should always use the naked flame of a match, never a lighter or especially a device such as a car cigarette lighter.

The following rules must be applied.

1. Cuban only, prefreably Coiba (Churchill) straight from the Humidor.

2. First roll this gently between the hands (not fingers like in the movies) which slightly loosens the pack.

3. Allow a very slight stream of Cognac to trickle from one end to
the other in a spiral. Your choice of cognac is personal as this only adds to the taste. It does of course also aid the burning.

4. Snip the end with a cigar cutter.

5. Take a cigar match (usually about 8 cm's long) and burn the end of the cigar (without putting it in ones mouth) until it glows red.

6. Finally place it to your lips and enjoy.

In the finer establishments this procedure is offered buy a beautiful woman at your dinner table.

MeMe · 29 September 2003, 14:55

After taking advice from you caps I made one last call to a very reputable dealer close to me. He advised that under no circumstances should I use anything other than a router. Failure to do so would find my console in bits.

Always one to go with the majority and against the establishment I decided to ignore his years of hands on experience and go with the advice of the boys on the forum !!!!

I took my nearly sharp 25mm wood bit, roll of tape and piece of scrap wood G-Clamped behind the proposed hole and depressed the button on my not so powerful cordless drill !!!!!

Well thanks boys, thanks a bloody milliion.......

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It worked, I have a perfect hole

So to all who offered advice, thanks and to all those considering doing a job yourself or paying a dealer, I say seek advice here and have a go. It's worked for me several times now.

chrisallse · 29 September 2003, 15:38

Said the actress to the Bishop.

Richard B · 29 September 2003, 15:44

Quote:

Originally posted by MeMe
considering doing a job yourself or paying a dealer...

I always think - it's a choice betweren buggering it up yourself, or paying someone else to bugger it up. I usually lean towards the cheaper option!

thewavehumper · 29 September 2003, 19:23

For all you IT guys out there NO! you cant drill a hole with a Cisco router.

I actually think advising you to use a router , unless you have experience of one, was duff advice! The tool would do the job but it's not the easy skill to learn

Richard B · 29 September 2003, 19:54

Quote:

Originally posted by thewavehumper
For all you IT guys out there NO! you cant drill a hole with a Cisco router

Damn, I brought one home specially. I'm sure that the spec sheet said it supports tunnelling!

(For non IT people: Sorry about that - it's an IT joke

)

Alex Brown · 29 September 2003, 21:08

The 12000 series does trunking too if that's any help on the rib

Jelly · 30 September 2003, 08:31

The old 4000 chassis still has uses : you can hide one of those mini fridges in it

Bill S · 30 September 2003, 09:35

I've an old Cisco somewhere (can't remember model) which would be ideal for putting holes in glass/plastic. Simply place on surface, switch on, and when you come back tomorrow, you will find a nice neat router-shaped hole where it has melted it's way thru!

I knew there was a reason I stopped using it.