Cutting into the Dash

[dc380]

Hi

I just bought a new Raymarine A50 from Jim, and I'm about to install it where the RN300 was. I need to increase the hole from the RN300 in order to accomodate the A50.

Has anyone cut that dash panel? What is the best way to cut it? From the front, while it's still screwed in?

What type of saw blade is best?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Good advice above. A second benefit to drilling out the four corners is that you will greatly minimize the possibility of spider cracking. NEVER leave a 90* corner anytime you're cutting into gel coat.

A similar thing (spider cracking) can happen when you install the retaining screws. After you drill your pilot holes (which will be slightly larger than the size hole you would use when drilling into wood), countersink the hole. Just enough so that the screw threads don't touch the gel coat. A large bit (bigger than the screw threads) will work fine if you don't have a countersink bit. Turn the large bit BY HAND until enough gel is removed.

You can hold a vacuum hose next to your rotozip/dremel/whatever as you go.

There's also been some good threads on this forum about cutting into gel/glass. Try the search tool.