Colin Grundy Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Looking into my local Halfords I noticed a conical shaped Drill/grinder. Trying to fit the red starter button in the dash I need to cut a hole the right size. Is the aforementioned what is commonly called a 'cone cutter'? and if it isn't what implement do I need to prevent me kn@@@@ing up the dash panel. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V7 SLR Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Colin, Halfords do (did?) a set of grinding bits for a drill. One of them was a conical shape, allowing you to drill a pilot hole and then gently open the hole up. I've drilled loads of holes in my carbon dash this way, with no problems. If you can't find the set, I'd happily lend you mine. Worcs L7 club joint AO.//Membership No. 4379//Azure Blue SLR No. 0077//Se7ens List Tours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Den Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 I think a Dremel type device is what you need. If you drill an initial hole into the dash (you might like to mask it up so the drill bit doesn't slide everywhere), you can then enlarge it as necessary with the Dremel. Den 😬 - Self portrait - still unable to remove the smile! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 best way is to get a purpose made hole cutter drill and mandrel in the correct size from a tool shop (ie. not B&Q) get one 1mm less than the intended result - they are only around £5-10 and you just mark the centre and then drill in one go! 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjwb Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Don't drill it! Use a Q Max cutter. Steve B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WILL FLY Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 What's a Q Max cutter ? Is it the thing that you drill a 8 mm pilot hole then put two cutter pieces either side of the dash and then tighten up the bolt on the middle to punch through the dash. These are good for dashes but only come in certain sizes and can't handle thick ali, like the firewall. RS do sets of these. Roy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V7 SLR Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 You're all really going overkill. I can email piccies of perfect holes created with a conical grindstone that I bought from Halfords for about the cost of a pint. It'll do holes from 1/4 to about 2 inches in infinitely variable steps (it's an analogue device 😬). Worcs L7 club joint AO.//Membership No. 4379//Azure Blue SLR No. 0077//Se7ens List Tours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Grundy Posted October 24, 2002 Author Share Posted October 24, 2002 Thanks for the responses. I think the Q Max cutter was what I was trying to refer to in ther first place. Anyway been out to Halfrauds and bought one of those conical shaped things. Will take your advice and mask the dash first. I hate drilling holes!! ps. Still dont know what a Q Max cutter is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Phillips Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Any punch available for the rectangular switches? Racing pics and items for sale here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 If it is a carbon fibre dash wear a dust mask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooby dooby doo Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 A cone cutter works very well in carbon or ali. A Qmax cutter works very well in Ali but I've not tried it on carbon. But a cone cutter is multiple sizes so is probably more useful... HOOPY Membership Number 4136 R706KGU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Riches Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 Trevor I believe there are rectangular Q-max cutters available, make a nice neat hole, in your wallet, and dashboard, very careful drilling, sawing and filing should see you right, remember the the 8 P's of success, prior planning, and proper preparation, prevent piss poor performance, so mark it carefully, and go to it!!! Careful with that axe Eugene. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Walker Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 A Q-Max punch is the only way, unless you would fancy a patterned dash!!! You can buy these punches from good old fashioned tool shops (I bought a 19mm one last year and it cost me £5). Cover the area around the hole with masking tape, mark the centre, drill a pilot hole (probably approx 1/4") insert punch, a few turns of an allan key and Bob's your uncle!! A really neat hole and no scratches on the dash. H7 CAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Richard Price Posted October 25, 2002 Area Representative Share Posted October 25, 2002 I've used both "Q Max" and "Greenlee" cutters that look like this:- Look here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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