Cutting holes in fiberglass
 

Whats the best way to cut holes in fiberglass for new gauges?

Make sure and use masking tape so the fiberglass won't splinter.
http://www.cumminstools.com/browse.cfm/4,392.html

Yup and you can start with the hole saw running backwards to cut through the gell coat. Then keep the speed slow so that you do not burn the tips off the hole saw. They can get REAL hot when you drill in so watch out.

Jon

Hole saw with Pilot bit, or bring it to me and I'll cut it with my sawzall

Hole saw with Pilot bit, or bring it to me and I'll cut it with my sawzall:D :D :D :D :D

I was gonna use the sawzall but knew there had to be a better way.......thanks for the great tips



Tim

Ive also had success with a zip tool. You know, the dremel with a side cutting bit.

I did mine with a hole saw and it worked good. Just pretty nerve racking wondering if I lined everything up correctly. Like jon said, run it slow and you should be ok.

Air chisel works everytime!:D :D :D :D

Oh ya when you are drilling through CHECK FOR WIRES ON THE BAK SIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jon

Hey guys thanks for the insight.

L.A. I've got an old foot-pump sewing machine whenever your ready to tackle an interior upgrade.

Hey rtn137,
here's how I did mine :D
The boat should look familiar :D

I had to turn the hole saw by hand though. As you know the windshield's in the way.

Later,
Dave

next
 

just sitting in the holes.
Did a lot of holes this weekend. Offshore water pickup, intercooler dump, pressure relief dump and gauges.

You mean MY SAWZALL, Liquid!

BTW, when you're ready to get that swim platform re-coated, let me know. I can help. I can get it off without even using a wrench. It involves a SAWZALL!

use a torch(jk):D :D :D

I need to open the thru transom holes up from 3" to 4"....will a 4" hole saw go thru 2" of transom?....also is the way to do that is to use a piece of wood across the inside of the transom for the center drill bit in the hole-saw to hold it centered?....Fred

Fred use a 3 inch hole saw to cut a plug to put in the existing hole to allow a center so that you can cut the bigger hole. The 3 inch plug will center the pilot bit if you tack it into the existing 3 inch hole. If you need to cut a deep hole just drill untill it wont go any deeper and then break out what you have cut so far and then go at it again untill the hole is done.
HINT-- start the hole on both sides so that the fiberglass doesn't shread on the inside of the transom.

Thanks for the idea Tinkerboater....I will do that when I open my holes to 4",....Thanks again,...Fred

Use a 3 inch holesaw mounted backwards inside a 4 inch holesaw using a 1/4 inch long bolt to replace the pilot drill. The 3 inch saw will then become the pilot. Be sure to use the appropriate size. Sometimes it's 4-1/16 or 4-1/8 outside diameter of pipe. Use wax or some other lube on the pilot and the cutter.

boatfixr - Now that is a clever idea! :)

This is just another reason OSO rocks. Next time I need to open up a hole larger I'll know the easy way.

Jeff

Sharpen that blade:D

Boatfixr, I will try to mount both saws....if I can that sounds like it would be a good way to go, Thanks, Fred