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What tool to use for new speaker holes

Another vote for a hole saw. Run it backwards to score the gelcoat, then run it in. If you choose to place them on the fiberglass (where I did), do it in spurts, or you can overheat the bit (and ruin it) or your drill (and ruin it). The black inserts are much easier to cut through than the white gelcoat.
 
212s said:
Never seen a 10" hole saw - it would be hard to handle I would think. Yamaha uses robots to cut out the openings in the decks, so their tools will cut a perfect circle if needed. To do a sub hole yourself, you need a jigsaw or dremel or similar to cut the hole. It doesn't have to be perfect, just sized to fit the speaker. A hole saw just gives a fast and perfect hole for smaller speakers...which is why I bought one to do my speaker holes. It cost $25 but it was worth it to make a clean hole.
Click to expand...

Gonna be honest, was really. Hoping that wasn't gonna be the answer lol
 
BlkGS said:
What about for a 10" hole for a sub?
Click to expand...
I used a cheapie air saw from harbor freight. Definitely the way to go if you have a compressor. I finished the final touches with a die grinder, also air powered.

Rough cut saw:

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com

die grinder example tool:

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com

If you want to see a visual check out my install here:
 
BlkGS said:
Gonna be honest, was really. Hoping that wasn't gonna be the answer lol
Click to expand...
Sorry I didn't have a lot of options for hole saws locally - the only 5" I could find was a Hole Dozer at Home Depot - here in Canada we have about 30% of the selection and options you have in the USA. If you're handy, using a jigsaw or similar will work fine, just takes longer and you have to make sure you follow the cutout lines carefully.
 
212s said:
Sorry I didn't have a lot of options for hole saws locally - the only 5" I could find was a Hole Dozer at Home Depot - here in Canada we have about 30% of the selection and options you have in the USA. If you're handy, using a jigsaw or similar will work fine, just takes longer and you have to make sure you follow the cutout lines carefully.
Click to expand...
Amazon.com has a similar hole saw kit that’s not quite as well priced as harbor freight. Have you checked out online options that can ship to Canada?

I bought some electronic components from RS (in the UK) and I did pay maybe $8 or so extra tax to get it (on a ~ $20) piece but it was worth it to me to ease soldering onto a board.

Online could be an option…. Remember it’s infrequent use so it doesn’t have to be the best quality. Good luck!
 
zipper said:
A variable sized hole saw... Mibro Adjustable-Radius Hole Cutter
Click to expand...
They make them in larger sizes to cut holes for 10/12" subs too, but unless you're cutting with a press to slowly bore down, I don't think I'd want to use one by hand in a boat. In that case I'd rather use a jigsaw or similar for more control.
 
mark_m said:
Amazon.com has a similar hole saw kit that’s not quite as well priced as harbor freight. Have you checked out online options that can ship to Canada?
Click to expand...
Yes sometimes we can go that route, but the problem is exchange, duties, taxes, and shipping rates are crazy making a purchase non-cost effective. A $20 item easily becomes $50 or more. Our stupid government likes to nickel and dime us and they let the cross-border shipping companies do the same on shipping rates so we get screwed because we live 10 miles further north than NY.
 
the MfM said:
Rotozip with the right bit is what I used for the subs.

Use some 60 grit sand paper to ease the edges of the gel coat after you cut the hole…no matter how you cut it.

Like this one.

Amazon.com: TEMO 1/4 Inch Solid Carbide Fiberglass Router Bit : Industrial & Scientific

Buy TEMO 1/4 Inch Solid Carbide Fiberglass Router Bit: Cutting Burrs - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...

To go along with this (btw, great idea @the MfM), they make jigs to help you if you feel like you want something nicer looking and don't trust yourself doing it by hand. I also came across a similar jig for a Dremel as well, in case you don't own a RotoZip. If you don't own EITHER of those things, I'll have to make snide comments in your general direction until you rectify that situation. Both of these claim to work up to 12"

For the RotoZip:

RotoZip CRCT4 Circle Cutter Guide - Power Tile And Masonry Saw Accessories - Amazon.com

RotoZip CRCT4 Circle Cutter Guide - Power Tile And Masonry Saw Accessories - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

For the Dremel:

Now, if you're doubting yourself, I'll just leave this link here of someone who used this exact method, and I won't point out that it's an old lady either ;)
countrydesignstyle.com

How to easily cut a circle using a RotoZip - Country Design Style

How to cut a circle using a Rotozip with thin plywood and softwoods. Otherwise, use a jigsaw to cut circles for your DIY projects.
countrydesignstyle.com countrydesignstyle.com
 
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