Cutting holes for gauges in dash

[Moody Blue]

Going to install a tach this spring. The mounting hole is 3 3/8" dia. Other than investing in a $46.00 hole saw for a one time use, is there another way to get this done ? I don't have room to use a router with cirlce template. The dash is 1/4" fiberglass with 1/2" balsam wood backing and another fiberglass layer.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

Why not buy this?<br /><br /> http://www.industrial-supply-store.com/BAHCO HLS 3-3_SLASH_8||njeWczYS8jw.php <br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

Here is a site with a few more choices<br /><br /> http://www.toolprice.com/category/holesaws.individualholesaws/ <br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[funpilot]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

I like the sites for the holesaws.<br /><br />When I installed my tach (purchased from iboats, matches my speedo perfectly!) in my jetboat, I put it where my two inch fuel gauge was, so I had to cut two holes, one to enlarge the fuel gauge spot, and one to move the fuel gauge to.<br /><br />I covered the fibreglass surface with masking tape, drew my circles and then used a skil jig saw to cut the holes. It was a lot harder of course, to create the smaller diameter hole for the fuel guage, but since the gauges are front mounted, my little imperfections in circle sawing are not noticable, nor hampered the installation.<br /><br />good luck, <br />funpilot

 

[Jilly - 5]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

Don't make holes. They're permanent. I made a teak cube (1/4 " wood, 4" cube)for my tach and mounted the cube (double-sided adhesive stripes)in an out of the way place. After a while, as you associate engine noise and wind in your face with tach readings, you'll stop looking at the tach. Just as you rarely consult the speedo or tach in your automobile - "you just know, + or -". Think about it.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

RodC, I need a 3 3/8" holesaw also. If you wants to buy a bimetal one, I would be willing buy it from you when you are done with it. Chief

 

[Realgun]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

3.5 or 3 1/2 works fine. they come in the kits you can get hole kits cheaper than 1 saw. And the little ones say 2 1/16" Give me a break the 2 inch saw works fine.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

I thought of the jig saw approach but I'm not steady enough to cut a cirlce. I stuggle to cut a straight line. I'll probably end up getting a hole saw and do the job properly. The prices in the links above look great but they do not ship out of the US. I'll shop around locally for an off brand. <br />Chief if I can find one at a reasonable price I will take you up on your offer.<br />Realgun I found the same with the 2" hole saw. With my unsteady hand I ended up with a 2 1/16 hole anyways Off I go.

 

[funpilot]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

LOL Rod... let us know how your installation turns out!<br /><br />fp

 

[Realgun]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

With my unsteady hand I ended up with a 2 1/16 hole anyways

You too? <br /><br />Actually a we bit of the sanding spunge helps to let the guage just slip in.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

I had my boat guy cut the hole. I marked the center placement and I think he charged me about $5 (if anything - he was doing some other work). Try a boat shop or fabricator; mark the spot and bring it in. Good hole saws are EXPENSIVE for one time use!

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

"IF" yu are going to rplace the whole face plate of hte dash, you can use Corian.

It can be sanded, drilled, routed, polished.

AND it makes a real nice finish product. It is also easy to work with.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Cutting holes for gauges in dash

I bought a REAL cheap 2.5 - 5" hole saw set from Harbor Freight for around $5. Not even close the the quality of a bi-metal set, but should get the job done if you take it slow.