Possibly stupid carpentry question

rico

My custom head cab has finally arrived and I need to mount the 2204 chassis but I obviously want to make sure I still the cab correctly. 

There isn't enough room inside the cab to drill from the inside out which would be easy peasy but how can I measure/mark/drill from the outside?

TheMarlin

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/g1259/tested-8-right-angle-drills-to-help-you-work-in-tight-spaces/?

rico

TheMarlin said:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/g1259/tested-8-right-angle-drills-to-help-you-work-in-tight-spaces/?

Thanks but I'm not looking to buy a new tool for 4 holes...

ICBM

Put the chassis into the head box. Measure the distance from the back edge of the box to the back of the chassis. Take the chassis out, turn the box upside down, and put the chassis on it with the same gap at the back (and making sure it's the same distance from each end). Drill through the mounting holes.

That assumes it's got external mounting flanges of course - if the holes are inside the chassis you'll need to work it out entirely by measurement. Masking tape is useful for making reference markers.

Make the holes about 1-2mm oversize so there's some room for movement.

ecc83

I would get some stout white card and cut it to fit the inside of the box. Then centre the chassis on it and mark it as a template for drilling. Drill 3mm or so holes to start with and get someone to 'eyeball' you to keep vertical (a drill press is vastly better) It is surprising how much 'wander' you can get in just an 18 mm thickness!

Because I am an anal old sod about such things, I would then insert pins in the holes and test the pins slide thru the chassis mounts. If all is ok, open out with the clearance ICBM suggests.

See, if you FU with the ~3mm holes you can plug with dowels and wood glue then flush them off and have another go the morrow!

Dave.

hywelg

Easiest way is to get a piece of decent quality paper and take a rubbing of the mounting face of the chassis. Cut the paper to the outline of the chassis. Position it by doing what @ICBM said, measuring the distance of the rear face from the back if the shell.

Tape the template to the top and drill through it. 

rico

There are many wise people on this forum. Much obliged!

ChrisMusic

Don't forget to click the 'Wisdom' button to show your appreciation @rico .

I'll be doing the same sometime to save weight on my 95lb Bad Cat combo, so I'm glad you asked the question  

rico

ChrisMusic said:

Don't forget to click the 'Wisdom' button to show your appreciation @rico .

I'll be doing the same sometime to save weight on my 95lb Bad Cat combo, so I'm glad you asked the question  

Done!

mylink

http://toolsconsult.com/best-right-angle-drill/