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Post by finfever21 on Mar 29, 2021 19:44:08 GMT -5
Guys, I'm getting ready to clean up my wiring on my 218 and seen some folks up here cut the access panel and make it bigger. It's nearly impossible to work in that constricted area and get anything done timely. Question, what tool is everyone using to get the cleanest cut? I have an assortment of tools but wanted to know what cuts the cleanest. 2nd question, any ideas as to how to cover it up? I thought about making a starboard door or panel on a hinge or even getting some vinyl made with snaps but I want to make sure the heavier wiring is secured. Thoughts??
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Post by hookedup on Mar 29, 2021 22:09:20 GMT -5
I've done electronics mounting on several boats and use a dremel with a rotozip bit. Just takes patience and a steady hand to get a good clean cut. There may be better cutters, but I've been happy with the cuts using the dremel.
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Post by finfever21 on Mar 29, 2021 22:43:08 GMT -5
I've done electronics mounting on several boats and use a dremel with a rotozip bit. Just takes patience and a steady hand to get a good clean cut. There may be better cutters, but I've been happy with the cuts using the dremel. That was my go to tool or a roto zip, just wasn't sure if it would leave jagged edges I'd have to sand down.
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Post by hookedup on Mar 30, 2021 6:32:50 GMT -5
Sometimes it does leave a small nick. I've not tried it, but heard you can lessen or avoid the nicks by taping the area you're going to cut. I haven't had to sand anything down as the frame of what I'm installing usually covers up everything. Guess if I was leaving it bare I'd sand it down to smooth it.
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Post by popeye on Mar 30, 2021 10:24:22 GMT -5
Good old jig saw here. Just be careful what is behind it.
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Post by cmw225 on Mar 30, 2021 16:53:18 GMT -5
I prefer using a oscillating saw with a good carbide blade. You can make very precise cuts. Tape up the cut area lay it out with a fine tip marker or ink pen. Drill holes in the corners to get what size radius you want.
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Post by finfever21 on Apr 3, 2021 15:40:34 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, I will be starting this project this week, just got my order in from New wire.
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Post by mikey111k on Apr 7, 2021 16:38:58 GMT -5
I cut it out with dremel (maybe a roto zip??). I already had 2 hatches there so i was mostly connecting them together to make one big opening.
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Post by hookedup on Apr 7, 2021 17:27:01 GMT -5
I cut it out with dremel (maybe a roto zip??). I already had 2 hatches there so i was mostly connecting them together to make one big opening. <button disabled="" class="c-attachment-insert--linked o-btn--sm">Attachment Deleted</button> <button disabled="" class="c-attachment-insert--linked o-btn--sm">Attachment Deleted</button> If you get bored, you can come straighten out my wiring and autopilot hoses. Yours sure looks a lot better than mine. Guess I'll have to fix the mess the factory left and the mess I added. Nice to see what it can look like when installed correctly.
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Post by Maysport on Apr 8, 2021 11:05:12 GMT -5
I cut it out with dremel (maybe a roto zip??). I already had 2 hatches there so i was mostly connecting them together to make one big opening. View AttachmentView AttachmentI knew Mikey had done a good job of enlarging the opening, but I think his post was on the old Forum. Glad you reposted the pics here! 'Course, if you have that big an opening, you've lost your excuse not to have all your wiring looking spiffy!
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