Cutouts in Teak Faced Ply

Imo by hand:
Drill a hole in each corner . Score a line. Score another line say 2mm further 'out' all round.( in case the veneer chips away) but still WITHIN the area to be overlaid by the new panel...

Then attack with any of the following hand tools and a bit of patience: a coping saw, a sharp tenon saw or the dreaded snap off Stanley knife..
I have the various powertools stuff incl a Fein and cunning small diameter grinders but hand tools work fine
 
Thank you all for the replies. It seems most recommend a multi-tool which I do not have. Is there any particular make that might be recommended and would it also be useful for sanding down my companion way steps which are looking a bit tatty and need re-varnishing?
 
richardbrennan said:
Thank you all for the replies. It seems most recommend a multi-tool which I do not have. Is there any particular make that might be recommended and would it also be useful for sanding down my companion way steps which are looking a bit tatty and need re-varnishing?
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I bought a Bosch one, having looked around to see what deals were on at the time. Used it fairly hard over the past year or so, been very good so far. It included a sanding tool.

Like you, I initially bought it knowing I had one awkward job to do, but it has become an indispensable tool since then! So, IMHO, well worth buying one.
 
The beauty of these tools is that they are great in tight spaces and will cut straight in without having to drill a starter hole, fit in where other tools can't get and they can also make a very fine and controlled cut. Now I wonder how I ever managed without it and have also bought a battery one from the same place
Aldy or Lidl ?

Pete
 
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There's no space that my Swiss army knife can't get to and the advantage is that I've always got it in my pocket. The idea of buying a tool specifically to cut a very small hole is anathema to me as a frugal sailor. I know hand tools are not as 'sexy' as power, but they have many advantages. They don't require a power socket or batteries, they don't make a noise, they don't go wrong and they are easily controllable.
 
ghostlymoron said:
There's no space that my Swiss army knife can't get to and the advantage is that I've always got it in my pocket. The idea of buying a tool specifically to cut a very small hole is anathema to me as a frugal sailor. I know hand tools are not as 'sexy' as power, but they have many advantages. They don't require a power socket or batteries, they don't make a noise, they don't go wrong and they are easily controllable.
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Rather you than me :D:D hacking a 6" x4" hole out of a piece of veneered ply (mine was around 12mm thick) with any knife "Swiss army" or otherwise. I bet your "Swiss army knife" probably cost more than both of my multi-tools put together.

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pete
 
pete said:
Rather you than me :D:D hacking a 6" x4" hole out of a piece of veneered ply (mine was around 12mm thick) with any knife "Swiss army" or otherwise. I bet your "Swiss army knife" probably cost more than both of my multi-tools put together.

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pete
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Not recommending it as the best tool for the job but the saw blade on my Leatherman Wave (leaving pressie from past employer) cut a very neat 90mm hole in 12mm ply when I had to box in a heater outlet. With a starter hole from a 12mm drill the whole job took maybe 5 minutes. Wouldn't have been very tidy for veneer though!
 
Solution

richardbrennan said:
I need to fit an additional switch panel which will need a cutout in a teak faced ply panel. As my carpentry skills are such that I have difficulty knocking in a nail straight, I wonder what tips the forumites might pass on and which tools should one use. The cutout will be about 6" by 4" and I have access to both sides but it's very limited at the rear.
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Is the switch panel fitted behind the ply so that the bare veneers of the ply will show however neatly it is cut, or does it face fix so that the cut edge will be hidden by a flange? If the former find a trim to hide the cut. If the latter much less finesse required.
Burbidge mouldings are cheap and available at DIY sheds
http://www.richardburbidge.com/mouldings/decorative/angles/
 
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pete said:
Rather you than me :D:D hacking a 6" x4" hole out of a piece of veneered ply (mine was around 12mm thick) with any knife "Swiss army" or otherwise. I bet your "Swiss army knife" probably cost more than both of my multi-tools put together.

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pete
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I would point out that my SAK has a saw blade that's very sharp. I would pre-score the veneer with the normal blade. I bought the knife from an antique shop at Peele, Isle of Man for 6 quid.
 
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