Cutting tool for dash mounted gauge

[The Big Weezy]

Used a Dremel to cut it close to the size needed and finished it with a utility knife.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

[scottyb]

Use whatever you are familiar with. If you have never used a dremel cut off wheel before the dash of your golf cart may not be the best place to make your first test cuts. Everybody proficient with one has experienced the damage and the dangers these handheld motorized cutters can present.
I used a new razor knife in the soft plastic CC dash with good results. Establish the line with 1 or 2 medium pressure cuts before pushing the blade all the way through. Cutting a template out of paper and taping it on the dash with clear packing tape is a good idea ..... or a pencil tracing around the unit works too.

[noserider]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Use whatever you are familiar with. If you have never used a dremel cut off wheel before the dash of your golf cart may not be the best place to make your first test cuts. Everybody proficient with one has experienced the damage and the dangers these handheld motorized cutters can present.
I used a new razor knife in the soft plastic CC dash with good results. Establish the line with 1 or 2 medium pressure cuts before pushing the blade all the way through. Cutting a template out of paper and taping it on the dash with clear packing tape is a good idea ..... or a pencil tracing around the unit works too.

Thanks guys. Lot's of good techniques here and the seller of my gauge also chimed in. Thanks ScottyB !

[tag50]

Drill opposite corners. Cut a little under size with a coping saw. Finish with a file.


.

[SouthCo]

Originally Posted by 55BigBlock

When I installed mine I made a template out of an index card and used it to mark the dash. I then carefully scored it with a sharp utility knife. I then continued to score it until it cut through. I thought I would have to use my dremel but the material was soft enough the knife worked fine. Patience, my friend, patience. The flange is not very big so there is not much room for error.

I did this but I also used a drill bit in the corners first...

[2016CTD]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Use whatever you are familiar with. If you have never used a dremel cut off wheel before the dash of your golf cart may not be the best place to make your first test cuts. Everybody proficient with one has experienced the damage and the dangers these handheld motorized cutters can present.
I used a new razor knife in the soft plastic CC dash with good results. Establish the line with 1 or 2 medium pressure cuts before pushing the blade all the way through. Cutting a template out of paper and taping it on the dash with clear packing tape is a good idea ..... or a pencil tracing around the unit works too.

That's what I did, worked great.

[LVCJ]

If your cutting a circle, for a gauge, a correct sized "hole saw" is the best. For other shapes, a Dremel or spiral saw is the ticket. Slow and easy is the way.

[2016CTD]

Originally Posted by LVCJ

If your cutting a circle, for a gauge, a correct sized "hole saw" is the best. For other shapes, a Dremel or spiral saw is the ticket. Slow and easy is the way.

For a hole saw in plastic, I'll drill the pilot hole slow then start the saw in reverse so it doesn't grab, then use it forward going slow.

Just a trick I learned many years ago.

[LVCJ]

Originally Posted by 2016CTD

For a hole saw in plastic, I'll drill the pilot hole slow then start the saw in reverse so it doesn't grab, then use it forward going slow.

Just a trick I learned many years ago.

Agree. For plastic make sure you use a saw designed for metal or as fine "toothed" as you can get.

[Aflyer]

Originally Posted by 55BigBlock

When I installed mine I made a template out of an index card and used it to mark the dash. I then carefully scored it with a sharp utility knife. I then continued to score it until it cut through. I thought I would have to use my dremel but the material was soft enough the knife worked fine. Patience, my friend, patience. The flange is not very big so there is not much room for error.

I agree some things are best done by hand!