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08-01-2014, 03:26 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
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How to make a small precise rectangular hole?
I need to make a small very precise rectangular hole in my upper cabinet for a small volt meter. My 1st inclination is to use a Dremel tool with cut off wheel very carefully. But seeing I am not in any rush, figured I'd ask you folks how you would do it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Here's where it's going (near a light for easy wiring):
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
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08-01-2014, 04:05 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Name: Dave
Trailer: Casita SD17 2006 "Missing Link"
California
Posts: 3,738
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A multitool Frank with a half round blade, a very clean cut and easy to control. You will probably have to use a hack saw blade to finish the corners, a few strokes but it is a sweet clean cut, been there done that.
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08-01-2014, 04:50 AM
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#3
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Member
Name: David
Trailer: Hunter
New Mexico
Posts: 81
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Use the middle of the hole for practice regardless of what tool you pick.
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08-01-2014, 05:09 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
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Done. Dremel, heavy duty cut-off wheel, metal ruler clamped to guide cuts.
The volt meter will fit, but tight. I'm not putting it all the way in till I get it wired to the light near it.
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
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08-01-2014, 05:15 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,562
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I would have some concerns cutting a hole that large so close to the corners of the two openings shown in your photo. I think you might compromise the structure of that cabinet. That area here you want to remove material would be weakened. Could you surface mount the meter ?
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08-01-2014, 05:16 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,562
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OOPS ! a few minutes late.
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08-01-2014, 05:18 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack L
I would have some concerns cutting a hole that large so close to the corners of the two openings shown in your photo. I think you might compromise the structure of that cabinet. That area here you want to remove material would be weakened. Could you surface mount the meter ?
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Um, it's already done! We'll see how it goes. If it becomes a problem, I'll report back.
From my perspective, I would have concerns if I were to leave the hole empty. That is not the case. The volt meter fits tightly in there, and brings structural stability back into play.
Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
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08-01-2014, 06:16 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,415
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I was under the impression that when cutting a hole in fiberglass it was best to have round corners to avoid cracks from starting there. That's what I did in any opening that I cut, like for my new power converter and below cabinet storage access opening. Reinforced those openings with plywood because of their size and the weight of the converter.
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08-01-2014, 10:31 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: '88 Scamp 16, layout 4
North Florida
Posts: 1,547
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mary and bob
I was under the impression that when cutting a hole in fiberglass it was best to have round corners to avoid cracks from starting there.
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I like to drill holes in the corners before cutting anyway in circumstances such as this. Gives me a defined stopping and starting point if nothing else.
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08-01-2014, 10:36 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,415
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Exactly what I did Tim
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08-01-2014, 11:07 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Name: Steve
Trailer: 2018, 21ft escape— 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie
NW Wisconsin
Posts: 4,500
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mary and bob
I was under the impression that when cutting a hole in fiberglass it was best to have round corners to avoid cracks from starting there. That's what I did in any opening that I cut, like for my new power converter and below cabinet storage access opening. Reinforced those openings with plywood because of their size and the weight of the converter.
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I reinforced the back side of holes that I cut in the fiberglass (outlets) with 1/4" plywood glued in place with Gorilla glue . Really stiffens and strengthens the area around the hole
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08-01-2014, 03:47 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Trailer: 1972 Boler American and 1979 Trillium 4500
Posts: 5,141
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A serated or saw tooth blade on the dremel might have been a bit easier.
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08-02-2014, 08:40 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy in TO
A serated or saw tooth blade on the dremel might have been a bit easier.
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I used a very thin fine toothed Japanese hand saw to make the corner cuts.
Sometimes I wonder if I should even post stuff!
Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
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