Spotlights

[Jamiemfc]

Good evening

Looking for a few tips on the best way to open out cut outs for spotlights that are already there, got a job on tomorrow and the customers already bought the lights but the fittings theyve bought need a 10mm bigger cut out than the existing spot lights! Any tips greatly appreciated(im sure therell be little gadget out there someone knows of)and before anyone asks yes im a qualified spark just used to a more industrial setting(steelworks)!

Thanks

Jamie

 

[RyanCheetham]

I use a steel rule, in your case line it up 5mm either side of the cut out, make a few marks around the circumferance and then connect the dots. Cut it outwith a padsaw, job done. Thats how i do it anyway, but if there is an easier way i would love to know it

 

[Jamiemfc]

Padsaw was the first thing that came to mind but didnt know if there was perhaps a neater way to do it but if all else fails itll do the job thanks.

 

[RyanCheetham]

If you are quite steady handed with a drill you could use a holesaw on an angle until the hole is started then slowly square it up. Easy to muck up the ceiling this way

 

[Allbrite]

I usually use a holesaw within a holesaw, so if you have a 50mm hole and you need a 60mm get a 60mm holesaw and screw a 50mm holesaw inside it for your guide.

 

[telectrix]

or a bloody big cone cutter.

 

[Welchyboy1]

Get a bit of foot square mdf or similiar and drill your appropriate sized hole through it then hold this over the old downlight hole and use as a guide

just make sure you apply ehough pressure on the wood so it doesnt slip and go slow with the drill at first

 

[Welchyboy1]

I usually use a holesaw within a holesaw, so if you have a 50mm hole and you need a 60mm get a 60mm holesaw and screw a 50mm holesaw inside it for your guide.

I like that one mate, that would probably work a treat!

 

[loop3]

Pad saw. Or if you want it perfect , get a small sheet of wood and cut a stencil with your required hole size. Screw it to the cieling to hold it in place and cut. Repair screw holes later.

 

[Jamiemfc]

Some excellent ideas gents thanks just what i was looking for got 10 to change so might gove all the ideas a try see what works best and feedback my results!

 

[Fin170]

Pad saw, only cut up (as in pushing the blade up) or bits of plaster, paint etc will fly everywhere and ruin your holes

 

[keniff]

I usually use a holesaw within a holesaw, so if you have a 50mm hole and you need a 60mm get a 60mm holesaw and screw a 50mm holesaw inside it for your guide.

Second this works a treat

 

[Stroppy]

To use the two-holesaws method, you need one of these to replace the 'drill bit' arbor. Nice and neat, and works a treat. Loads neater than the padsaw method.

http://www.starrett.co.uk/shop/hs_accessories/oopsarbor/

 

[paul_h]

Try it without making the hole bigger. Might be a chance it'll work

 

[Robert Turnbull]

If you are quite steady handed with a drill you could use a holesaw on an angle until the hole is started then slowly square it up. Easy to muck up the ceiling this way

I've done this quote a few times. Works well

 

[dcelectrical]

i have used the holesaw on one side method about a dozen times usually to straighted up holes cut by blind men with blunt padsaw, however i am quite excited at the holesaw inside a holesaw idea a true example of the term engineer!

 

[Andy78]

To use the two-holesaws method, you need one of these to replace the 'drill bit' arbor. Nice and neat, and works a treat. Loads neater than the padsaw method.

Starrett - A19 'Oops' Arbor - Saw Blades & Precision Tools

Awesome ! never knew this existed. I have tried this method before but with the inner cutter rattling around like billy-O.

 

[Stroppy]

Ah they are invaluable! They take small and large inside saws too. So simple, yet effective. Bit pricy at £13 but still worth it, IMO.

 

[smiffy911]

Denmans now do an attachment to add onto one of these. The attachment grips onto existing hole so cutter doesnt slip.

 

[smiffy911]

Sorry did add a picture to above ost but didnt turn out. Here is a link.
Armeg Adjustable Hole Cutter 40mm - 200mm : Tooled-Up.com