Cutting holes in panelling

[cpaharley2008]

A razor knife is a good start for most cuts involving a single panel, but the picture shown has an inside wall also, maybe a kitchen wall cabinet finished on the inside. That takes a little more effort for cutting.

[Jim Bennett]

Any method that makes a clean hole, or one clean enough for the application, is a good method.

I too have used a knife for some cuts.

[Chris & Patricia]

Thanks for all that contributed to this collection of tips and tricks. I have a number of these products, including an axe, which will probably not be the most useful at least for this. I am putting in my own sound system, and have to cut two 6 1/2 in and two 5 1/4in diameter holes in the upper cabinets, so I'm sure that there isn't a hole saw quite that large. I suspect that post number 4 will probably do the trick, but will carefully review all the other suggestions.

Chris

[Eggscape]

Note: If you put tape on the panel to draw your lines, once the hole is cut pull the tape off gently towards the hole. If you pull from the hole outward it could remove the wood grain vinyl surface...even with the low stick green painters tape. If you can do it without putting tape on surface all the better.
Good luck and looking forward to the pictures.

[skiman]

Originally Posted by Chris & Patricia

Thanks for all that contributed to this collection of tips and tricks. I have a number of these products, including an axe, which will probably not be the most useful at least for this. I am putting in my own sound system, and have to cut two 6 1/2 in and two 5 1/4in diameter holes in the upper cabinets, so I'm sure that there isn't a hole saw quite that large. I suspect that post number 4 will probably do the trick, but will carefully review all the other suggestions.

Chris

Harbor Freight has kit with 4" and 5" for $16.99. Worked well for mounting speakers on my Casita. Not 6" though.

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Note: If you put tape on the panel to draw your lines, once the hole is cut pull the tape off gently towards the hole. If you pull from the hole outward it could remove the wood grain vinyl surface...even with the low stick green painters tape. If you can do it without putting tape on surface all the better.
Good luck and looking forward to the pictures.

Thanks, this is very useful to know.

[Rrgramps]

Circle cutter attachment for a Dremel or laminate trimmer works pretty good too.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Chris & Patricia

Thanks for all that contributed to this collection of tips and tricks. I have a number of these products, including an axe, which will probably not be the most useful at least for this. I am putting in my own sound system, and have to cut two 6 1/2 in and two 5 1/4in diameter holes in the upper cabinets, so I'm sure that there isn't a hole saw quite that large. I suspect that post number 4 will probably do the trick, but will carefully review all the other suggestions.

Chris

actually, they do go that big, and larger, I think up to 12"....

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...0310/203113614
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...9649/202327764

one of the local hardware stores that caters to contractors will rent those much cheaper than buying.

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

actually, they do go that big, and larger, I think up to 12"....

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...0310/203113614
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...9649/202327764

one of the local hardware stores that caters to contractors will rent those much cheaper than buying.

Hadn't thought about renting, probably not too expensive, wouldn't need them for long and, as you say, cheaper than buying for a one off.

That's what's great about this forum, its like team help, all these friendly people with good thoughts!!

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by Rrgramps

Circle cutter attachment for a Dremel or laminate trimmer works pretty good too.

Surely not as well as an axe?

[Vermilye]

One point with a hole saw - most have pretty aggressive teeth. When starting in plastic, fiberglass or thin wood try running it backwards for the start of the cut. Probably not good for the teeth, but it saves tearing or chipping the surface.

[gbaglo]

Probably just lack of skill, but I've had my Dremel go ripping off in an unintended direction more that once.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Probably just lack of skill, but I've had my Dremel go ripping off in an unintended direction more that once.

This is a common problem. There are circle cutting jigs for Dremels (and other rotary tools) to address it, removing the need to manually control the cut direction.

[hotfishtacos]

I put surface mounted enclosures in the 4 corners of my 19 facing downward and the sound from the system in my trailer is great; no big holes cut anywhere.

You can see one of the speakers facing downward back in the corner, over the bed in this picture;

[rbryan4]

Forget the speakers, Steve. Get a gander at that NovaKool.....

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

actually, they do go that big, and larger, I think up to 12"....

.

For hand held use I personally don't use anything above 4". (anymore ) Large hole saws are fine if you're using a drill press, not drilling free hand.

Ron

[rjsully41]

If one is cutting into fiberglass be sure to wear a mask of some sort and of course always use eye protection. Additionally when cutting into fiberglass your blade will dull very fast so if you have several cuts you might want to have replacement blades or bits.

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by rjsully41

If one is cutting into fiberglass be sure to wear a mask of some sort and of course always use eye protection. Additionally when cutting into fiberglass your blade will dull very fast so if you have several cuts you might want to have replacement blades or bits.

I plan to stay away from cutting holes in the shell if I can avoid it. But thanks for the observation all the same.

[Chris & Patricia]

I finally plucked up the courage to cut into the panelling and am still alive to tell the tale, and still talking to my wife too as there were no unexpected/unplanned hiccups on our new trailer as I installed speakers in the upper cabinets. I used the oscillating multi-tool suggested in post number 4 of this thread, together with a sanding attachment for my drill and am very pleased with the outcome. Turns out that it was a bit easier than I expected.

[Eggscape]

Looks great...glad it all went well.