RCGasBoat

Folks, I remember reading somewhere but don't seem to be able to locate it now.
How do you folks drill the mounting holes for the engine mount on the engine rails? I dont want to invest in a right angle drill attachment if i can avoid it.
Thanks

SS RC Boats

I may be wrong,but the many,many years i have been building boats a right angle(90*) drill or dremel attachment is the only way. Unless its done before rails are glassed into boat....in that case you stand a BIG chance of the holes not lining up after they have been mounted!

RCGasBoat

SS thanks, I know that is the best way. I remember reading somewhere someone tried doing it differently without a right angle attachment for a one off mounting with great success. Just cant remember how it was done. Incidentally the only few right angle attachment i know off that fit the 5" space constraint are the Dremel or Craftsman attachment. The normal right angle drill attachment itself takes up a full 5" width less the drill bit.

Looking for some more suggestions...

BH_Trade

Years ago I used a cheap flex shaft attachment that came in a drill accessory kit, it was designed for screwdriver bits in hard to reach places.  Had to use quick change drill bits and those flex shafts warble, ie wouldn't recommend and won't be doing it again.  I recently ordered a Dremel right angle to use on my 2012 build, suspect you will end  up doing the same.

HendricX

Use a marker to mark the drills onto the stringer-rail.

Take a big (1/8") nail , heat the point and burn into the wood ,

do that several times untill your trough.

Make an attachment for a socket-ratchet that will fit the drill you need.

Use the rachet to drill :-)

cheesewizz69

I have never had a problem using this http://www.lowes.com/pd_132-41401-13...&facetInfo
and quick change bits.

Love to Build2

This is what I have used for years. Works great. http://www.tightfittools.com/

Paul M

If I did not already own a Dremel with the right angle attachment, this is what I would be doing Cheap, simple and easy.

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

Same here. I put the right-angle attachment on my Dremel and never took it off. That thing is so handy you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

amrharrymac

My Feedback: (2)

<div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">This has been answered before???? I searched for the post but it seems to have evaporated.. I saw the idea from Tony at WHH to use an angle air die grinder with a cut down drill bit. I wrapped tape around it so the collet would fit tight on the bit and put a piece of tin on the other side of the rail. They sell those 90 degree die grinders at harbor freight for less than the dremel adapter it you do not already have one they are cheap; but you do need an air compressor. I have a box of dremels I used up for porting heads but I never got one of those angle adaptors so I have always used the air die grinder method. One thing to note is that it is very easy to go crooked so I took an unused grease fitting tube, cut it short, drilled and tapped a piece of scrap and made a jig. I put the jig on the end of the bit and clamp it to the rail before I start drilling and it always goes in straight this way. The air grinder will also easily oversped the bit and just burn through the rail so you have to watch how you adjust the air pressure. Just another way to do it...</div>

Johnnysplits

+10!!!! That tool is the best!!

Justaddwata

My Feedback: (3)

In a pinch I have used a vice grip pliers and a drill bit - I mean it is only a 1/4" hole through 1/4" plywood - it does not take that long.

I also picked up a drill like this which has worked well for boats and other jobs - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-3-8-Elec...#ht_1034wt_905

Now I have some aviation tools that are about as compact as dental drills - just no rails to drill

RCGasBoat

thanks guys.... i will try the hot nail method. Like mat said it is only 1/4" ply!

The Ghost

I use the right-angle attachment on my Dremel also, but I have a foot control from a Singer sowing machine that I use to control the speed. Great with a sanding drum or cutoff disc. Better control than with the variable speed control on the dermel.

Cheers