What tool to use cut opening for Bow Light?

[gqchris]

Attention Inmates:

What tool do you recommend to cut into the bow to install one of these? A Jigsaw? I think an airsaw would work but I dont have a compressor where I plan to install it.

What say Ye? I have one of those Oscillating Multi tools also. I already have a smaller hole for the OG light, just need to make it bigger.

Thanks!

 

[hallett21]

Two hole saws on one arbor?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nordie]

A jigsaw or a multi tool

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Drill and a fine jig saw, and tape the hell out of the area you will be cutting. Its still terrifying no matter how you do it. After I cut my running lights in I just cleaned it up with dremel, sandpaper would work as well.

 

[gqchris]

Drill and a fine jig saw, and tape the hell out of the area you will be cutting. Its still terrifying no matter how you do it. After I cut my running lights in I just cleaned it up with dremel, sandpaper would work as well.

Yes I am very terrified lol....Triple Check everything! Thanks Walt.

 

[Nordie]

The finest cuts I have ever made is with a multi tool. They cut amazing just take your time. A Jigsaw will work, but there is a lot of bouncing going on, so definitely tape up the work area if you want to go that route. I would use the multi tool over the jigsaw if you have the choice.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Roto zip? Or Dremel with a spiral blade? I'd test it to see how bad it will maybe chip the gel coat at the edges. Remember to use masking tape.

 

[Buddy]

Is a multi tool the same as the oscillating tool?

 

[lf2]

I used an air saw with a fine blade, taped off whole area.

 

[gqchris]

[

I used an air saw with a fine blade, taped off whole area.
View attachment 990069
View attachment 990070
View attachment 990071

Looks great, thats exactly what I am upgrading from!

 

[OfftheGrid]

If its just a circle cut, tape up the area with painters tape (blue or green stuff), mark the area, double check, triple check and then use a hole saw running the drill in reverse. Learned that trick from Phil Bergeron years ago and it works like a champ. When drilling don't apply any pressure, go very lightly and not too fast on the drill.

 

[wzuber]

Die grinder with a fine fluted carbide bit. Firm grip and slow feed, light pressure. Ezpz
you can also use a speed control unit to slow the bit speed.of course tape well and draw your template.

 

[spectra3279]

Use a chainsaw. Just might need a few chains

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[lbhsbz]

Die grinder with a fine fluted carbide bit. Firm grip and slow feed, light pressure. Ezpz
you can also use a speed control unit to slow the bit speed.of course tape well and draw your template.

This.

 

[Mandelon]

Round hole? I vote holesaw. Go slow so it doesn't heat up.

 

[Nordie]

Roto zip? Or Dremel with a spiral blade? I'd test it to see how bad it will maybe chip the gel coat at the edges. Remember to use masking tape.

I didn't even think about a rotozip, not a bad idea actually.

 

[King295]

@gqchris pretty sure recall reading you are in the OC area. I have a Rotozip you can borrow if you don't have one. I'm in West Garden Grove.

 

[2FORCEFULL]

If its just a circle cut, tape up the area with painters tape (blue or green stuff), mark the area, double check, triple check and then use a hole saw running the drill in reverse. Learned that trick from Phil Bergeron years ago and it works like a champ. When drilling don't apply any pressure, go very lightly and not too fast on the drill.

that's how I did mine,.. and I always use in reverse, only forward for the pilot hole...

 

[240Hallett]

Rotozip for the win. I’m doing that same job this weekend.

I used it when I did my side mount shifter, but I cheated and made a jig so I couldn’t fuck up the fiberglass.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I’m terrified just reading this thread.

 

[BHC Vic]

Is a multi tool the same as the oscillating tool?

Yes

 

[DLC]

Shoot I’d have it cut out by now!

rotozip
hole saw
cordless die grinder
multi tool

i don’t think I would use a jig saw....

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Update? Cant sleep

 

[SKIDMARC]

When cutting out holes for my 6 1/2 speakers I used a rotozip and tape. Scary as hell.

 

[Jed-O]

If you use a jigsaw. Use a fine tooth down cut blade and make sure it isn't in the "swing mode" use lots of down pressure and yes tape the shit out of the area! Down cut blade is key here. Otherwise gel will blow out.

 

[Racey]

Yes I am very terrified lol....Triple Check everything! Thanks Walt.

Remember, cracks form at sharp internal corners, to avoid this each corner should be drilled first with the largest reasonable bit, maybe 1/2", and the connected via jig saw.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Update? Need a gelcoat repair referral?

 

[CoolCruzin]

Die grinder with a fine fluted carbide bit. Firm grip and slow feed, light pressure. Ezpz
you can also use a speed control unit to slow the bit speed.of course tape well and draw your template.

Yep , this way

 

[Carlson-jet]

Drill Bit and a jig saw using masking tape and a pencil to draw the lines.

That is why they invented the bezel.

Finishes the edges with sand paper and seal up the wood and mount properly.

Pre-drill the holes before adding the drywall screws.

 

[Water Romper]

What's on the bow now? is there already holes from a previous light? is so, this can get a bit more challenging especially if using a hole saw.

 

[coolchange]

Jeez really. How many posts before it actually gets cut.
I used to love people watching me install bow or mooring covers. Do all my tic marks in light pencil. Owner or someone would see me start drilling and come over and comment about putting holes in a new boat.
I’d say you just gotta go for it. Then start “ measuring ” with my fingers and eyeballing it. They would flip out

 

[RadMan]

You could pre drill a bunch of small holes As close together as possible around your outline and follow with a jigsaw or rotozip or even a small hand saw. I’ve done that for speakers in gelcoat in a tight spot. Having all the small holes helps you turn the tight radius also as your just sawing from hole to hole.

 

[Water Romper]

Jeez really. How many posts before it actually gets cut.
I used to love people watching me install bow or mooring covers. Do all my tic marks in light pencil. Owner or someone would see me start drilling and come over and comment about putting holes in a new boat.
I’d say you just gotta go for it. Then start “ measuring ” with my fingers and eyeballing it. They would flip out

Awww come on, what else we got to do, if we wait a bit, we can talk him into redoing his interior too (even if he doesn't need it)

 

[petie6464]

Torch should do it. .

 

[guest hs]

Jig saw

 

[braindead]

As stated above, torch, chainsaw and or circular saw will do it.

now quit bein a pussy and cut it

 

[Yoshiro]

I didn't have an actual Rotozip, but discovered the cutting bits fit into my Dremel. It worked well on multiple occasions through fiberglass/wood. I kept a small shop vac running right by the cut and it kept the debris to a minimum.

 

[MK1MOD0]

Well.............. did ya get er’cut???

 

[gqchris]

Update? Need a gelcoat repair referral?

HAHHA thanks fellas. All great tips. Ill report next river trip on the cut. I did get the template cut out with Cardboard. Boat is in storage in Needles and Ill do it before I take her out.

I will be sure to report the outcome. Its more of a square cut with an elliptical.

I also found a video: this is exact what I have!

 

[gqchris]

@gqchris pretty sure recall reading you are in the OC area. I have a Rotozip you can borrow if you don't have one. I'm in West Garden Grove.

Thanks King, I may take you up on that one! I really appreciate it!

 

[Carlson-jet]

HAHHA thanks fellas. All great tips. Ill report next river trip on the cut. I did get the template cut out with Cardboard. Boat is in storage in Needles and Ill do it before I take her out.

I will be sure to report the outcome. Its more of a square cut with an elliptical.

I also found a video: this is exact what I have!

Just like I said in post # 29. LOL

They forgot to add tape and what blade to use. I would go with something about 14/18 tooth per inch. Take your time.
You got this.

 

[River Runnin]

A Skill saw of course! Geeeze! .. isn’t that why they call em —skill! Saws?

 

[King295]

Thanks King, I may take you up on that one! I really appreciate it!

Here if you need it, have only used it once to cut a hole in a live edge wood countertop.

 

[Taboma]

I didn't have an actual Rotozip, but discovered the cutting bits fit into my Dremel. It worked well on multiple occasions through fiberglass/wood. I kept a small shop vac running right by the cut and it kept the debris to a minimum.

I've never used a Roto-Zip, but I've tried using my Dremel. Holy Jagged Edge Hell, is the secret using a guide ? Because when I've tried it, especially in wood, the varying density causes the tool to wander all over the place. When I've looked at the Roto-Zips I see mental images of it just zipping where it shouldn't be zipping.

 

[Singleton]

Cant believe no one has said - F it, just buy a new boat

 

[RadMan]

F it. just buy a new boat.

 

[Groper]

STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS® Chainsaw | STIHL USA

 

[gqchris]

Come on guys, its not even winter in here! Really was just asking a boating question!

Ill change my prop while Im at it also.

 

[gqchris]

Cant believe no one has said - F it, just buy a new boat

Trying my best to buy one!

 

[wishiknew]

I've never used a Roto-Zip, but I've tried using my Dremel. Holy Jagged Edge Hell, is the secret using a guide ? Because when I've tried it, especially in wood, the varying density causes the tool to wander all over the place. When I've looked at the Roto-Zips I see mental images of it just zipping where it shouldn't be zipping.

Like on the wires in a box when the drywaller uses it to cut out every box in the house