Cutting outlet in base

[geo4848]

I have a job that  I will be installing 12 base.The outlets net to be cut i the base ad I was thinking
about using my 1010. what would the best bit to use?

Thanks Bill

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I drill a pilot hole & use a jig saw.

Agreed, I see no point in routing the holes out.  They have to have some sort of cover anyways.

 

[jmarkflesher]

Fein Mutimaster with precision blade.

 

[TomGadwa1]

If you would like to achieve accurate and repeatable results the way to go is to make a template that will accommodate the outlet box or plate that you wish to use. Once an accurate template is fabricated it is easy to get professional looking results. Line up the template on the base material and attach it to the backside with screws (this way the screw holes will not have to be filled). Now drill a starter hole for the pattern bit that will be used with your router. Insure that the starter hole is slightly larger than the pattern bit so no surprises happen when powering on the router. Now just run the bearing of the pattern bit along the inside of your template and you will have beautiful and repeatable outlet cutouts in your base. Try this method and I think you will be pleased!

 

[TomGadwa1]

Just saying if you want it real pretty,,,,  [big grin]!!

 

[sancho57]

Fein Multimaster, will do the trick

 

[GhostFist]

multimaster or jigsaw. I prefer a multimaster for this type of thing but a jigsaw certainly does it too. Taking the time to route out a perfect hole that going to be covered by the cover plate of the outlet seems a waste of time

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Depending on the material I find a jigsaw takes about a quarter of the time the MM takes.

 

[TomGadwa1]

Do consider how much time you want to invest. Perhaps a sharp stone struck smartly with a piece of four by four lumber would do!  [laughing]  ;D

 

[GhostFist]

Jigsaw is faster jst in some situations i find the MM easier. For the builder to assess.

 

[Falch]

or, if he wants to use the the router, a template and this bit http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30699&site=ROCKLER , or any other spiral or straight bit with a guide bushing will do.
the clue is a template in any case for repeated purdy results

 

[sancho57]

IF ya want it done quick and aient worried about the mess, a rotozip will do it fast

 

[andvari]

I like the MM over the jig saw for cutting into places where you aren't sure what's behind the wall. Just the other day I did a cutout for a new ethernet run and right behind it was an existing power line. No  [eek] [scared] because I hadn't gone past the thickness of the wall board.

 

[fshanno]

Did this back in January.  I used my multimaster.  The profile of the base had some detail and it was pretty high relief so I had to flatten a rectangle for the cover plate.  I did that with my Kapex.  Once it was flat, cutting the hole was nothing.

One run required a seam.  It worked out so I could have put the seam at an outlet.  The electrician okay'd it and it probably would have worked but I didn't try it.

 

[TomGadwa1]

If the base is still not attached to the wall it would be feasible to go the template method with the proper type of router bit as mentioned above. One should consider the desired look of the cutout. If it will be covered by a plate then perhaps the alternate methods stated above would suffice. They would be a time saver for sure. Are you concerned about tearout on the cutout? Sometimes placing tape over the cutline can reduce tearout when sawing is employed. To saw or not to saw? That is the question. Is it more noble to route the cutout or not? Or just saw away quickly and be done. If you have some material around to make the template and are really chomping at the bit  [laughing] to use your router then use the router and spend some more time. I enjoy using routers and would most likely go that route. Also with a new cutter on the router tear out should not be an issue.

 

[danrush]

For me, it depends on the jobsite conditions:  if I'm looking for production, without a lot prying eyes (owners, designers, architects) and the electricians are on my keester, I go with the drill and jig saw set up.  Works fine but looks sloppy before the electrical cover plates are installed.

If I'm on a job where my cut-outs are going to be exposed for a while, I go with a router and template. Just looks better to the (usually) novice laymen inspecting the job as it progresses.

I still get folks who admire an intricate 4 or 5 piece crown buildup, but on the same job question the outlet openings because they look rough (prior to covers, of course).

Dan