How do I make this hole bigger?
 

I need to SLIGHTLY enlarge this hole for my new helm. I have a hole saw of the correct size. How do you keep the drill from walking since there is nothing for the center bit to drill in to? Any ideas?

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

....by using the three holes to thru bolt the board.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Put a doubler, could be made from ply, on the back and fasten it through the three holes on the outside. Just center your pilot hole real well and off you go!

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Good GOD!!! Did we all post at the same time?!?!?!

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Mark the circle with a magic marker, use a die grinder with a sanding cone and buzz it out. Wear eye protection and a mask. Take your time and do a nice job.
Good Luck
Ed

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Thanks Fred, I don't think the bit on my hole saw is long enough, the dash is about 1/2" thick. I'll be giving you a call soon. I have a few questions.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

The new hole is going to partially cut into those existing holes.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

That sounds like a good idea.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

die grinder, but rest your hand on a solid object and keep the bit deep in the hole so it doesn't get away from you and hack things up.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

put a board on the out side ,the hole saw will cut a place to start in the dash.take the board off (or leave it)and finish cutting.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Make A Bushing That Pilots Off Of The 1/4" Bit On You Hole Saw That Has A O.d. Slightly Smaller Than The Current Hole. Sometimes You Can Place A Smaller Hole Saw Inside Of The Larger One And Use This As Your Pilot. Good Luck.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

I cobbled this up when I needed to make exhuast holes 4 1/2" from 4" Did not want the hole off center so the big piece is 4" exactly with the pilot hole in the center. Then use a 4 1/2" hole saw. Attach to back side of transom. Something like this should work for ya....only smaller :D

Dan

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

You need to upgrade hole saws. Some of them use a separate bit that is tightened down with an allen screw. If you have that type, you can either move the bit or replace it with a longer one.

Or, you could always mount the piece of plywood you are using as a guide to the front of the dash instead of the back. Just a thought. It worked for me a few years back when I replaced my steering and didn't have any clear access to the back of the dash.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

They also make a special bit that allows you to mount two saws. The smaller one locates the hole.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Duck Tape the backside, then make a plywood plug and insert it with
bondo or epoxy. Let it cure for a half hour, and drill your new hole.


Duck Tape will keep your plywood plug from falling through.
And your bondo or epoxy from running all over.

You can also run a few rows of masking tape on the topside.
Trim the hole with a razor, stuff your Plywood Plug and bonding
agent up against your Duck Tape.

Then if you make a mess it won't be bonded to your good surface.
Just peel your tape on both sides when done, she'll look new.



Cougarman

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Take a hole saw the size of the old hole and then the hole saw the size of the new one. Put the new hole on first, then put the hole saw that is the size of that hole in the picture on next. The smaller one will stick down a bit more and guide ya in there.

Jon

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Oh and if your hole is not going to be that much larger then you can on most hole saw guides extend the depth that the centering drill will drop. There is ussually a set screw in the chuck to allow you to drop the bit quite a bit.

Jon

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Audiofn is exactly right. I've done it many times. If your hole saw mandrel doesn't allow you to stack then go buy a better mandrel.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

One hole . a gazillion ways ..... :drink:

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Call these guys... Your Hole is their goal!

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

geez, funny post. SO many choices. We all could have spend 30 seconds witha rat tail file and finished by now. I have done both the doubler methods with plywood and the bit in the hand saw (roto zip style). Actually used a 90 degree air die grinder and a carbide bit. I prefer the hole saw cause fiberglass dust makes me itchy. Good luck with your hole.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Thats how I do it, two hole saws on one arbor.

Happy New Year to all!!

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Do they have company shirts? :D

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

All right, post a picture of the completed job. I want to see how it came out.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Just remember, go slow because you can always make a hole bigger, but you can't make it smaller. Although many a man has wished...

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

die grinder or evena dremel and grind it wider. ***uming you nly need it a littl ebigger. If you need to go from 3" to 4" hole its proably not the best solution

I hate holesaws. I damn near took a finger off with one once.

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

The operation on my hole was a success! :D

It wasn't that tough. I used put a board on the inside and was able to get a longer bit in the hole saw. Just one of those jobs where it's better to ask before phuckin' it up.

Thanks OSO brothers! :drink:

Now my next question.... When mounting a char-lynn hydraulic helm do you want the hose connections facing up, in the direction of where the hoses are coming from, or does it matter?

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

uh oh ....here we go agin :rolleyes:

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

MAN...all these answers and the only things I could come up with belong in the uncensored section. :eureka:

Re: How do I make this hole bigger?
 

Shotgun?