Old work in kitchen island

[jmo103]

I have to add some outlets in a kitchen island that was installed yesterday. Typically I give the cabinet guy an old work box to cut out for me but this time I missed the chance to do that. Any suggestions on cutting out the box? I am thinking maybe a fine blade jig saw but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[peter d]

Multi tool all the way, after using one I would never go back to anything else. I use the Milwaukee M18 one but also have a corded Fein that I don't use much but comes in handy when you need a lot of cutting power.

 

[kwired]

If using a jigsaw, use a blade that cuts on down stroke (standard blades cut on upstroke), this greatly lessens the chance of splintering the finished surface. Also don't rest the metal shoe of the saw directly against the finished surface - it will leave scratches and other marks on the finish, put tape over the shoe and such marks will be minimized.

Best tool for the job as mentioned is oscillating cutting tool if you have one.

 

[JFletcher]

I have to add some outlets in a kitchen island that was installed yesterday. Typically I give the cabinet guy an old work box to cut out for me but this time I missed the chance to do that. Any suggestions on cutting out the box? I am thinking maybe a fine blade jig saw but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Trace the box, drill out the corners first, then 'connect the dots' with a Feintool or jigsaw (fine blade, yes). That way there's less chance of splintering or veneer delamination at the last corner. and ofc the typical caveats, make sure there is room inside for the box, the drawers wont hit the wiring/box, you're not drilling thru a shelf brace, and so on.

 

[electricman2]

RotoZip works well

 

[mwm1752]

trace out your box & score the line with a razor knife -- as long as you cut inside the score the splintering will not go past the mark -- drill 1/2" holes at each corner -- tape is a good thing but pull it off from the outside perimeter - I've used a sawsall & made clean cuts due to the scoring technique

 

[JohnE]

I've done thousands with a sawzall with a metal scroll blade, and alternately many with a jigsaw. Never once had an issue. I don't let the shoe hit the cabinet. Often I'll put masking tape down first and often I will score the outline with a razor blade as others have stated. But my guys now use the oscillating tool. I'll agree that is the probably the safest way to avoid damaging the cabinet.

 

[John120/240]

Trace the box, drill out the corners first, then 'connect the dots' with a Feintool or jigsaw (fine blade, yes). That way there's less chance of splintering or veneer delamination at the last corner. and ofc the typical caveats, make sure there is room inside for the box, the drawers wont hit the wiring/box, you're not drilling thru a shelf brace, and so on.

I will second the Fein tool & JFletcher has valuable advice. I will also say Look & Look again, is the cavity deep enough for your box ? Metal Old Work boxes are gangable, have done some two, three & four gang installs where switches & receptacles were desired. If you are installing a GFCI , I strongly recommend a fiber glass or plastic box.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

If you are concerned about splintering you should use a roto zip tape and trace over tape to help avoid marking up the cabinet. The multi tool/ fein tool work well too be careful of "over cutting".
Good luck!