Cutting a hole

[Leedo Lanes]

Hey guys, give me the best method of cutting a hole in the dash for a radio. Is a hand saw the tool I should use or a skill saw?? Advice please...
-Mark

[Leedo Lanes]

Hey guys, give me the best method of cutting a hole in the dash for a radio. Is a hand saw the tool I should use or a skill saw?? Advice please...
-Mark

[sonoma]

use a skill saw ,and be patience the fiberglass is tick on a checkmate and cover your arm and hands because fiberglass itches a lot like insulation

[Eriktheviking]

Use one of those circular drill hole boring bits.You'll get a perfectly round hole.You'll find them at any Home Depot, etc.

[Eriktheviking]

Opps http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif,I thought you were installing guages.Jig saw with a fine tooth blade would work great http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif.

[Dave's ZT260]

I always use a power jigsaw. Put duct tape over the area to be cut and chipping will be less of a problem. Drill a pilot hole to get started and go slow, holding a shop vacuum near the cut will reduce the mess and itch.

[BOB'S 283]

i was also taught to dull the leading edge of the drill bit too .

[Leedo Lanes]

Thanks guys...I am nervous to cut the beautiful metalflake but it will all be worth it to jam out to some tunes this summer.

[175checkmate]

You could always install the stereo in an under the dash type holder and not have to cut any holes.

[Leedo Lanes]

Yeah, but I already have a small hole cut from the old radio. The kind with the knobs...

[Redboat]

I could not bring myself to cut a hole for my stereo so I hung it under the dash ,in the corner , far away from water . Redboat

[Flash]

alot of good info from the xperts....duct tape around your cut out also stops stpos from scartching your finish as well as cuts down on the chipping.....check for wires behind the dash of course....fine blade in a jig saw....no problem....dash wood is thick enough to accomondate a screw fopr mounting bracket....cut many and have installed many....you can e-mail at kcwilliams@columbus.rr.com for any thing you have a doubt about...good luck.....the duct tape is a must.....am impressed by some of the folks on here....

[Leedo Lanes]

Thanks Guys,

I'll let you know how it goes. I am leaving for Turkey (National Guard)on Saturday so I'll be gone for a bit. Can't wait to get back for some boating!

[BOB'S 283]

LEEDO .BE SAFE MAN !!!

[fnshrmaster]

Thanks for serving our country Leedo,God bless you and your family.Think boating!

[BBB]

First of all, Thanks for being there for our country! I totally agree with Flash and ZT260. I have cut alot of formica and it is just like this. I would do the same for fiberglass. I think it would more professional if it was mounted in the dash. What happened to the old hole if the new radio is mounted under the dash. Also, if it is in the dash it can have a tinted cover that comes over to protect agianst sun fade, water, and being out int he open were someone might bang into it.

[Chris]

I might think about getting a weatherproof box. Then put the stereo into the box.

I would definately use the tape as everyone has mentioned. Tape on the bottom of the jig saw always helps too. It keeps it from scratching everything. I usually err on the too small side as you can alsways make the hole bigger but not smaller. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Duane]

I recommend a rotozip for cutting holes in fiberglass, it cuts much cleaner in my opinion versus a jig saw. Jig saw works as well but I think the rotozip is much much cleaner cutting... good luck

Duane

[bdusted440]

I put a tinted weatherproof radio box in the dash of my trimate and it works slick.The radio stays dry and out of the sun.I used a jig saw with a fine fiberglass blade.Definatly put tape down first or you WILL scratch the finish around the hole.Good luck and happy boating.
God bless and be safe over there. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif