18 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

As above, I have some gauges i would like to put into my dash. 

 

I have a hole cutter attachment for my drill, My concern is that i might chip the veneer around the hole off. 

 

Any tips?

 

Should i be cutting at the front of the dash or from behind (the non-veneered side?)

[alex-95]

I would cut from the front of the dash as the other way around the veneer will pushed out and seperate from the wood. I think I've heard people putting masking tape over where you drill, also makes it easier to mark out where you're putting the holes. just take it slow, when cutting through the veneer

Edited by alex-95, 23 January 2015 - 12:56 PM.

[pierres]

Did mine a while ago and used making tape over area to be drilled got nice clean edges when done. dont forget take your time 

[dklawson]

The advice from Alex and Pierres is what I have seen recommended before.

 

An alternative is to buy a large Forstner bit to cut the hole.  Hole saws are rough and can splinter the vernier.  A Forstner bit will cut the perimeter with a knife edge before removing the material in the center of the hole.  The problem is... they are NOT cheap.

 

[RedRuby]

As above from the front with tape, you could also rest the dash on a piece of scrap timber on the underside so that you do not have any break out on the reverse side.

[Gerbil367]

All the above is great advice

 

It may seem easier to go from the back, but the veneer will always be badly damaged that way

[Fast Ivan]

clamp the area to be drilled between to pieces of wood, then drill through the whole "sandwich"

[cookie4343]

The advice from Alex and Pierres is what I have seen recommended before.
 
An alternative is to buy a large Forstner bit to cut the hole.  Hole saws are rough and can splinter the vernier.  A Forstner bit will cut the perimeter with a knife edge before removing the material in the center of the hole.  The problem is... they are NOT cheap.
 

I'd recommend this tool above, I used to work for jaquar CNC routering the xj veneer door trims routering the speaker holes for perfect speaker fitment and badge fitment after the PU laquer was applied, the tools used were razor sharp but the slightest bluntness would chip it.
My advice go slow.

[Ben_O]

Whatever you end up using, buy the best quality you can.

 

a cheap hole saw off of eBay or from down the market will most likely not be sharp enough to cut it without damage.

 

I like the idea of clamping wood either side but it might be tricky to mark out where to drill.

 

I'm not convinced that taking it slow would be the best approach, most hole saws have a standard drill bit type tip in the middle so you could go through with that then spin the drill up fast with it located and then go but i haven't tried that so don't go on my advice, it just seems that going slow would more likely chew it up.

 

Could you not get access to a pillar drill?

[minisilverbullet]

Mmmmm I would never have thought about going slow! So thanks for pointing it out. 

 

The hole cutter i straight from the pack and appears to be pretty sharp. 

[Mini Manannán]

You'll need to get the right balance between going fast enough to cut and slow enough to be careful  Masking tape will help stop the drill bill 'skating'.

[dklawson]

Since you already have the cutter, I would suggest following Rob Mac's advice to sandwich the panel between two other pieces of wood.  Clamp all tightly together and you should have good results.

[alex-95]

You could always mark out on the dash and drill the pilot hole, then drill a hole in the bit of would that you'll clamp it to and you can then locate the 2 holes and clamp it up and drill.

[PlugExploits]

I drilled mine with dash in, with a hole saw. I used a 50mm as it was all I had at the time so the clocks were quite tight. No tape, just take it slow till you are through the veneer and started your hole. Don't let it snag either so stay square on. I drilled a few holes so measured them out and drilled a pilot hole at each centre first and checked measurements. The pilot holes will help guide your hole saw to and easier to keep steady.

Trust me I'm a carpenter .....

[splintercat]

clamp the area to be drilled between to pieces of wood, then drill through the whole "sandwich"

There you go this is the best way to do it and there is no splintering/ flaking or chipping..................good tip mate