Cutting Holes in Consoles...

[Markyboyo]

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

[Lugnut]

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]

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]

..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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.