Drilling/cutting

[inarathree]

I want to install a 12v cigarette type outlet. To do so, I need to drill, or cut, a 1" diameter hole in the fiberglass. What is the best tools for this? I have a couple different size wood core "bits" used for putting holes in doors that are small enough, and a couple hole bits for ceramic, and a couple chisel type bits.

What do I use?

 

[mitiempo]

I use a forstner bit of the correct size. Start slowly in reverse to eliminate chipping, then switch to forward.

 

[Prime Time]

Options

1 inch hole saw will do it but a forstner bit will do it cleaner. They are more expensive.

 

[Ross]

Re: Options

You will ruin a forstner bit on fiberglass.

 

[woodster]

You will ruin a forstner bit on fiberglass.

Ross is absolutly correct...use a hole saw and run it in reverse to start with then run it foward to finish the hole no need to rush the work and you will have a much better job in the long run.....

regards

woody

 

[JoeWhite]

If you use a hole cutter - first test the actual size of the hole by cutting a hole in a plywood. Hole cutters sometimes makes a hole that is slightly larger that the listed diameter.

 

[mitiempo]

While fiberglass isn't the best for a forstner, or any blade for that matter, mine have been doing well over the last year. I used a 12mm for the holes for toggle switches (Blue Seas 4150) and the larger for 12 volt sockets (Blue Seas 1011), and after many holes in both fiberglass and wood with each I have not noticed any problems yet. Even though it may limit their life it still is only pennies per hole. That is what I bought them for.

Dremel multi tool blades have the shortest life of any blade or cutting tool I use - and they cost more than the forstner - but are invaluable for cutting square holes for panels and instruments.

 

[Ross]

You will know immediately what you have done to that bit when you decide to drill some wood. My forstner bits run double digit dollars each so I take very good care of them. There are some now that are make with replacable carbide blades and I haven't tried those.

 

[mitiempo]

I do drill wood sometimes.

 

[BarryL]

Hey,

I would use a hole saw. I would also put duct tape on the surface before you drill. Lastly, I would cover the floor because you're going to great a LOT of dust.

Barry

 

[Waddie]

diamond hole saw

I do most of my grinding on fiberglass with a 9" diamond faced grinding wheel. I buy them at Harbor Freight - $49.00 but often a half price - they grind FAST and are long lasting. (this summer I gutted a 20' sailboat, leaving only a nice hull)

I say this because Lowes has a diamond edged hole saw (in any size) that cuts fiberglass like butter and clean, too. It also lasts a long time.

But it may cut holes a little big, I don't know.

Have fun,

regards,
Waddie

 

[Douglast]

Re: diamond hole saw

spade bits do the trick and they are cheap cheap cheap..