Cutting holes in center console
 

In a rush to get the boat ready to take to the lauberge beach on sunday, I decided to fix a speaker by getting a new set. I wasted about 2 hours between getting new speakers at academy, parts store for electrical fittings, and working to change wires out. Had the speakers ready to drop in and realized that although the screw patterns were the same, the OD of the hole in the console needs to be wider. Ghetto rigged it and put old wires/speakers back in so we could get on the water.

Would a dremel-type tool be best to increase the diameter of the hole? I need to take off about 1/4-1/2". Havnt measured yet.

I don't know about "best", but it would work.

dremmel should work. I have used a jigsaw or reciprocating saw also. They both work really well.

Jigsaw!

Tape it so it doesnt chip or crack

If u can cut from the back a jigsaw will work if not a jig saw cuts on the upstroke and it will chip it if use it get the smallest teeth u can find

I used jugsaw but that fiberglass eats the blades up fast

i assume your boat is fiberglass, but when i was rigging my aluminum center console i used a course file that had a curved side to fit gauges and other accessories that needed the hole opened or had a irregular opening. it worked very well.

holees
 

this

Jigsaw for sure and be sure to use the masking tape.

What about a hole saw? What size are you wanting to go?

5 inch or so. Just need to widen a little.

4" grinder with a donkey **** on it should work.

RotoZip or similar tool

I would also recomment that you wear a face mask while cutting or grinding on the fiberglass. The dust is nasty stuff to breath.

^^^^^^^
This!

Use something like this on a die grinder, http://www.mcmaster.com/#die-grinder-bits/=mz1m7h

You going to be far better off trying to sand it rather than cut it, cutting it is going to chip your gel coat.

Hole saw will not work. Hole saw will only work will new holes. There is not material to guide the pilot bit and keep it on center.

for optimum results I would used this below....


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/a...killed-saw.jpg

Pic is a red x. What is it?

Holes already exist, not to mention a hole in your center console wont make your boat sink.

I added speaker to my boat and a rotozip worked awesome.

I got hooked up with some bits from a machinist that should get me fixed up.

Use a dremel thats not to aggressive, tape the surface with blue masking tape, and most defiantely wear a respirator or something to keep you from inhaling the dust and eye protection. a long sleeve shirt or sweater and some gloves would be a great idea as well. or that dust will have you itching like crazy!!!

rotozip is the way to go for sure!

Cover any exposed skin heavily with baby powder prior to cutting. This clogs your pores, thus not allowing fiberglass to stick in them which is what makes you itch like crazy!

Sounds weird but, it works!