best way to cut console?

[In2Deep]

Im making a few upgrades to my 99 2100 DVCC. Whats the best tool to cut the center console for a tackle station? Same question for adding a Beckman plate to the baitwell console? Zip saw?Dremmel?Jig saw?
Thanks,Jerry

 

[DaleH]

DRILL: I like 3M blue tape on the glass, drill bill spun BACKWARDS for a few turns to form a "dimple" without cutting the glass, and then cutting through with a drill smaller than the dimple. Then whenever you need a larger drill, use a countersink first. This prevent the cutting edge of the drill from grabbing the frp and breaking off a chip. You need to drill a hole through 1st for most cutting tools like a jigsaw or Dremel/Zip Tool.

CUT: I use laminate blades that cut on the downstroke in my jigsaw, unless tool access is an issue. They work slick! Only use new ones, they're cheap and expendable. I only resort to a ZipTool when I can't use the jigsaw.

Now, I did tell you to look behind what you're cutting first, right ?

 

[BradV]

rotozip or jigsaw. if you have the room jigsaw seems to give me better results. I just mounted a new guage and the helm is like 1.25" thick.

 

[grouperjim]

blue painters tape is your friend. so is drilling a hole in each corner for a radius. how you get from hole to hole is your choice.

....like Dale said initially spinning the drill bit backwards to start the hole eliminates gelcoat chipping.

 

[In2Deep]

thanks for all the info

 

[gray duck]

great tips on drilling - the difference between "that was easy" and
"Aw sh--!"