Right tool for the job

[XJS Cab022]

This is a hole cutter.... sorry,you probably know that already. cheap from any DIY store . You should try and get a fine tooth cutter .I buy as I need them and sometime somewhere you'll use em again.
PS stay clear of cheapo version with a base with various band saws type blades that you can remove.



This is universal pilot bit for the cutter , fits in drill chuck . you can also change size of pilot bit too.


both parts assembled.


Tricky job .( have to go through the hardboard but not snag the leather ) I'd cut final hole from the hardboard of door-card side, but have a flat bit of scrap wood against the leather side so it can't ruffle . you want to cut hardboard with hole bit and then cut back leather with scalpel knife.


just an idea.

1:Mark out the intended holes centre on leather side transfer to back side of hardboard ( fine drill working from leather side to hardboard side )

2:Cut a small hole by hand in leather (leather side around centre point )with knife. hole needs to be BIG enough for pilot drill to rotate freely in.

***GET A SCRAP BIT OF HARDBOARD IF YOU CAN AND TRY OUT THE HOLE CUTTER, YOU CAN USE BIT OF SCRAP WOOD, MDF

3: Set-up your door-card hardboard side upwards and with your scrap wood centred under the pilot hole leather side .

**MAKE SURE THE JOB IS HELD WELL USE CLAMPS -ANOTHER SET OF HANDS**

4:You want to cut hardboard nearly all the or just to the leather, So firm but not heavy pressure on drill & cutter.
Now Working from the hardboard side using the centre hole you traced through start drilling, try not to push drill to hard after pilots in.

5: Start and stop to check how far cutter has gone , more times the better.

6: Finish last paper thin mm's of hard board by hand with scalpel ( Still not cutting leather as you go )

7: Cut and glue excess leather around your new hole. ( you know you want that pukka fit with no gaps )

good luck.

[Admin]

Thanks for the that!