I need to enlarge the existing hole in the stainless tubing of the pedestal at my helm to run a new cable. There are already some cables there and I need to enlarge it. I can not drill a completely new hole. I have a Dremel Advantage rotary saw (not the small hobby Dremel). Any suggestions on other tools, bits, etc? I expect this to be a real project. Thanks.
Stainless Tubing
- Thread starter Felix
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You just need a hole reamer. This is an example of one for wood, but you can get one for metal. I would try Harbor Freight.
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/image/105506479
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/image/105506479
Felix, I take it that you don't want to remove the existing cables as you enlarge the hole. A Dremel tool (small hobby version) with the proper cutting attachment, a steady hand and lots of luck should work. Is there any way to protect the existing cables so you don't accidentally damage them as you work? Is there enough clearance to place a piece of split metal tubing over the cables to protect them? Damaged cables will make for lots of extra work and a much bigger project.
the problem is the cables still in there. I enlarged a hole in the pedestal guard pretty easily with a nothing fancy Dremel using one of the cutters that came with the kit. I think it was a helical fluted mill. Pretty quick job.
I recall using something like this http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=115 but it was a few years ago. The link is a HS steel cutter & you'd probably be better w/carbide although I may have gotten by with the HS steel as there's not that much cutting involved.
I recall using something like this http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=115 but it was a few years ago. The link is a HS steel cutter & you'd probably be better w/carbide although I may have gotten by with the HS steel as there's not that much cutting involved.
When drilling through thin walled stuff, I like the stepped drill bits. They have them at Harbor Freight too. There is one that steps up in diameter pretty fast so you might get to the hole size you need before it hits the other side of the tubing.
Allan
Allan
I agree with Ross, take it apart and do it right the first time. Carbide works well on stainless. Cobalt bits cut the best for drilling. You might try a small diameter grinding wheel in the Dremel Tool
What you mean
I know you trying to add another cable to already very crowed and already tight helm support going to chartplotter and instruments,very hard.
I added sirius weather to my C-80 and had to add the cable into the stainless pipe going to chartplotter.
Disconnect cables from chartplotter move best you can one side and cover,than usin dremmel or some type grinder to make hole bigger,unable to remove cables so go very slow and easy an put grease to help pull cable down under to floor under cockpit floor and than into rear of stern.
Did I guess right.
Nick
I know you trying to add another cable to already very crowed and already tight helm support going to chartplotter and instruments,very hard.
I added sirius weather to my C-80 and had to add the cable into the stainless pipe going to chartplotter.
Disconnect cables from chartplotter move best you can one side and cover,than usin dremmel or some type grinder to make hole bigger,unable to remove cables so go very slow and easy an put grease to help pull cable down under to floor under cockpit floor and than into rear of stern.
Did I guess right.
Nick
You're Right Seadaddler
I need to replace the cable to the ram mic at the helm.
Removing everything and disassembling the pedestal
is not an option. I spoke to Dremel and they recommended
a specific tungsten carbide bit.
I need to replace the cable to the ram mic at the helm.
Removing everything and disassembling the pedestal
is not an option. I spoke to Dremel and they recommended
a specific tungsten carbide bit.
Cable
Can't you pull new cable in with the old cable,your replacing old for new right. use plenty of grease. Nick
Can't you pull new cable in with the old cable,your replacing old for new right. use plenty of grease. Nick
I've done this more times than I can count. It's not that tough. Just take your time. The carbide cutter you need is available at either big box home center. Protect the existing wiring with a piece of split or half pipe which a helper is holding. Easiest with a new, sharp cutting tool. Be careful of the stainless chips, they are very nasty, sharp and hard to see. Bad in fingers, worse in toes.
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