I’ve done this before, but never well. Is there a tool for cutting the needed hole on the deck side? Hole saw? I have some big drill bits, but last time it slammed down to the box from the deck and almost went through.
thx
I think it was PeteC that gave an excellent step-by-step on this a while back. Good test for the search function.
Personally, I'd just make the tail thin enough that the box came right to the deckside, then it's easy.
wull, yeah, ok, that thought never even entered my mind, not even once. but just to be sure, I’m going to test the search function and compare Pete’s method, not that I don’t appreciate you jumping in and all…(your ass has a very high IQ)
OK, end of thread. Here are several ways to do it. And Pete nailed it.
When you buy the pro jig set up, it comes set up to plunge the drill hole for the leash attachment, but a half inch forenster bit works quite well, I use my awl to create a pilot hole for the brad point on the bit and that’s all you need, drill down until you hit black or white if you use white boxes.
Yes, a Forstner bit is the best thing for drilling through glass and foam with minmal tear out and trauma. Perfect for leash plugs, too. Gotta get the right size, though.
Before I drill in to a board with any kind of bit, I like to first drill through a square of acrylic and then tape the acrylic down to the board. The hole serves as a guide and prevents any wobble in the bit as you drill in to the board. Kind of a 'belt and suspenders' thing. I had a hole saw drift from the original drill guide once. A single layer of fiberglass might not keep the drill centered if you're a klutz.
Pro tip, brother…
I always hated using a hole saw, the bit could and would slip off the center stick and be, I removed the pilot bit and always taped down a plywood template to center and keep the saw from wandering
Hey Greg,
The way that we always do it is as follows:
Route your finbox slot first. Then take a very small drill bit and drill through the stringer in your routed slot up to the deck. Remember to leave some room for the wall of the finbox to the back of the routed slot. we typically go about 1" forward. Now you know exactly where your 1/2" forstner bit and drill from the deck into the routed slot. Now we use a peice of 2" tape and cover the drill hole on the deck with a bit of dome in it. When you are setting your finbox pour some resin in the hole first then pour the rest of the routed slot and put in your finbox with 2 layers of 6oz. After the board is gloss and polished I come back and drill through with about a 3/16" drillbit and knock the edges down with a stone burr bit. One step and it saves some time. Hope that helps.
Austin
Excellent. Good thing this thread didn’t end when I called it. Best tip yet. Thanks a bunch.