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Old 17 June 2009, 12:37   #1
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Drilling holes in Gelcoat
Whats the secret to getting clean holes drilled in the gelcoat with no damage to the surrounding area. I seem to get variable results!

Mark
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Old 17 June 2009, 12:52   #2
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Originally Posted by Markyboyo View Post
Whats the secret to getting clean holes drilled in the gelcoat with no damage to the surrounding area. I seem to get variable results!

Mark
Two layers of masking tape and a sharp bit. What sort of bit are you using?
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Old 17 June 2009, 12:59   #3
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What Mollers said, it'll stop the bit sliding about.
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Old 17 June 2009, 13:00   #4
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Brand new set of HSS.
do you want to start and finish at a slow speed or keep a constant higher speed throughout?? (referring specifically to drilling holes in boats before the comments start!)
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Old 17 June 2009, 13:00   #5
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What Mollers said, it'll stop the bit sliding about.
Its not so much when the hole starts but when it comes through the other side...
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Old 17 June 2009, 14:26   #6
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Its not so much when the hole starts but when it comes through the other side...
Start on the gelcoat side not the mat side, then it doesn't matter.
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Old 17 June 2009, 15:56   #7
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Two layers of masking tape and a sharp bit. What sort of bit are you using?
I find sellotape works better-a sharp bit isn't quite so critical then.
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Old 17 June 2009, 20:58   #8
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Start on the gelcoat side not the mat side, then it doesn't matter.
Too right

But, if for some reason, you have to start on the mat side, then start with a small pilot hole As the drill bit is about to break through the gelcoat, reduce the pressure on the drill and increase the rpm so that it cuts through, nice and cleanly.


Can't believe I've just posted on one of those 'ole drillin' threads.
Look out - gArf will be here soon.
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Old 17 June 2009, 21:45   #9
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Too right

Can't believe I've just posted on one of those 'ole drillin' threads.
Look out - gArf will be here soon.
I know he's a man of many talents .. but .. even he will admit .. we have the suject of hole drilling pretty much in the bag .. unless he has a special substance for preventing cracking in gel coats ofcourse
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Old 17 June 2009, 22:17   #10
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Put the drill in reverse for a few revs
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