Need to drill a 9/16" hole in fiberglass. What is the best way to do this? Do I need to mask area off first and drill a pilot hole or should I buy a hole cutter for the job? I already have a 9/16'' bit and would like to use it if I can. Thx
Need to drill a 9/16" hole in fiberglass. What is the best way to do this? Do I need to mask area off first and drill a pilot hole or should I buy a hole cutter for the job? I already have a 9/16'' bit and would like to use it if I can. Thx
you can use the bit but I would tape over the area that you want to drill to avoid chipping. I would drill a pilot hole as well.
I have had good results buy drilling in reverse until I get through the gel coat. Then when I hit fiberglass I put the drill in forward...very light pressure when drilling and go at a slow speed. You will have to apply some pressure at the start when you have it in reverse but ease into it.
I do not use masking tape but have heard that people recommend it. I have drilled several holes over the years and have had good results...go slow and easy in reverse until you hit fiberglass then ease it into forward
I don't like the small pilot hole then big hole method...the one and only time I done that I had chips to come off as soon as I started with the second/bigger hole. The other holes I drilled I just went ahead and used the right size/big bit. I was fortunate that the chip was covered and not visible. Start with the 9/16 and drill only one time.
a good sharp bit at a reasonable high speed usually does the trick. like JR, I personally think starting with a smaller pilot bit is asking for trouble. It just gives the gel coat a weak spot, so when you put a bigger bit to it, it's easier for it to chip.
Just make sure you take the advice to drill in reverse until you are through the gelcoat.
Anx if you are drilling, make sure you know what is behind the area being drilled.
I was drilling a hole in my console, and didn't realize there was a block of wood covering 1/2 of where the hole would be, and when the bit got thru the fiberglass and hit the wood, it caught me by surprise and pulled in quick, which resulted in some gelcoat chips around the hole.
I made a escutcheon plate out of some ABS plastic I had that covers it, but next time, I may not be so lucky.
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Thank you everyone for your tips. Drilled the holes today and they came out perfect.
Glad you got the holes to work. Just for some info is to take a counter sink and cut till you get the hole size you need. Stops the gelcoat flaking and works great in any kind of plastics. Best if you can find the more expensive single hole cutter and not the fluted as you usually see but both will work.
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why would you drill first just screw it...............................
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH... that picture is great!
Serioulsy that would really suck and I feel for the guy. on the other hand I just about fell out of my chair in tears
One would be bad enough, can you imagine a whole row of them? Sort of like my neighbor back in Texas, shot a water moccasin after it had crawled up into his boat. He was lucky and the angle from him to the snake punched the bullet through the hull above the water line but still...
\"Andy\", EM1 USN, Ret.
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FISH_ON »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why would you drill first just screw it...............................
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FISH_ON »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why would you drill first just screw it...............................
break out da marine tex
Aw, just grind 'em down smooth and slather some paint over them.
Drew
Isn't that what they invented duct tape for?
Thats funny as chit since its your boat!
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