Precision cutting tool.

[Saintly Fish]

Ok so I want to cut a hole in my dash. It’s for a new switch but not a large one. I’m thinking a dremel will do the job? 
Ive had a quick look in b&q but could see (no glasses again) which attachment will do the job. The discs all looked too large. Do they do a mini router attachment? Or will any other tool do the job better? 
Recommendations please!

[Andy135]

What hole diameter/dimensions?

[Saintly Fish]

21 minutes ago, Andy135 said:

What hole diameter/dimensions?

Approx 30mm x 12mm

[suzook12]

jig saw with a fine blade and small drill for the corners. You could wrap some tape around one end of a junior hacksaw and hand saw it. And get a small file or 2

[Andy135]

I was typing pretty much the same as Zook when he posted.

Or if nothing else, a 12mm flat wood drill bit for two holes and use a junior hacksaw blade to tidy up the corners etc.

[suzook12]

The precision method would be:-

Cut a large hole out of the dash with a hole saw, enough to clear the terminals and wires etc.

Get a cover laser jet cut to your spec from ally/stainless or whatever, fit swith to cover then screw cover down. Or in other words, a single switch switch panel. Or get one made that emcompasses all your switches...... Other than that you are pretty much stuck with manual methods

[Saintly Fish]

43 minutes ago, JonC said:

How about with a multi tool? Less aggressive than a jigsaw, and the blade won’t go through into the back of the dashboard potentially cutting wires etc

That’s why I thought a dremel would do the trick. I don’t have one though and don’t want to go buy one if they don’t have a decent attachment small enough for the job. 

[GPSguru]

 

Got to agree with @JonC here.

A multitool will do the job just fine, and give you a good amount of control

[Saintly Fish]

21 minutes ago, GPSguru said:

 

Got to agree with @JonC here.

A multitool will do the job just fine, and give you a good amount of control

I have a Bosch multi tool but non of the blades are small enough to cut a 12mm line.

[suzook12]

32 minutes ago, Saintly Fish said:

I have a Bosch multi tool but non of the blades are small enough to cut a 12mm line.

I have a ryobi and same deal

[suzook12]

You obviously have access to back of the dash, just makesure everything is out of the way and go steady. For a hole that size, my preferred option would be the hand held junior hack saw blade. Will only take a couple of minutes, 6mm drill for the corners and a file up afterwards.

[Andy135]

2 minutes ago, JonC said:

Today, if I die I will die happy, two agreements from the pensioners. Only need @Geoffnow to comment and it’s a clean sweep! 

Ok, fess up. You bribed them with Werther's didn't you?

[Maverick]

I'm actually impressed with your knowledge John and that deserves recognition 

[Saintly Fish]

24 minutes ago, JonC said:

I’ve printed that off and laminated it. 

Shame that @Maverick doesn’t think enough of you to spell your name correctly though.

[Andy135]

Just now, Saintly Fish said:

Shame that @Maverick doesn’t think enough of you to spell your name correctly though.

It's his eyesight that's letting him down. He's not quite old enough to have had his eyes lasered yet. Apparently all the really old ones have had it done already.

[Geoff]

8 hours ago, Andy135 said:

 Apparently all the really old ones have had it done already.

I am amazed the Jon has not remonstrated with Andy with regard to thread drift and relocation. THE really old one is still waiting (about 15 years) for the cataracts to "ripen".

Anyway, back to the original thread topic, use a multitool. Jon's method is what I have done on several occasions - it works well. For the 12mm cut reduce the blade width to about 9mm (I use a 115mmx0.8mm cutting blade in a small disc cutter rather than grinding it down) to allow for the cutter sideways vibration. As Zook said accurately drill a small hole (2mm ish. dia.) in each corner first. Neil if you only have one blade cut the long sides before reducing the blade width. When using the narrow blade take care as it could break fairly easily (don't ask me how I know). Good luck. Geoff.☺️

Edited April 21, 2021 by Geoff

[GPSguru]

6 hours ago, Andy135 said:

Apparently all the really old ones have had it done already.

Only the right so far, still waiting on the left, but the results are staggeringly good.

I think it is only megabyte that has a full house...........