[Roy Rowlett]

I am about to install OSB on the interior walls of my new workshop.
My question is: Because I have several single and double outlet boxes in my new workshop, what is the best/easiest way to cut out the holes in the OSB over the outlet boxes ? Is there a router bit that can use the inside of the box as a guide to cut the OSB to fit over the box? I think there is a similar method that can be used with drywall, but I am not sure if there is a way to do it with wood panels. I think if I try to measue over and cut the holes before I put the panel up, I will miss the box enough to have problems (extra time/frustration/waste). I have experienced this with drywall.

 

[DangerMouse]

2 hard drive magnets and some glue dots work well, even for wood. glue dot one magnet on each corner of your box, set wood up in place, then find magnets with nail or washer, etc. this will give you the location very close to exact. never seen a bit that does what you ask, but there may be. at the very least, it's a good idea!

DM

 

[Roy Rowlett]

By "hard drive magnet", do mean a magnet off of a computer hard drive? I am ignorant about what that is or how to find it.
Thanks

 

[DangerMouse]

oops, sorry about that chief. yup, any dead hard drive you can tear open and grab the magnets from. most people have these magnets and don't know it. yer sort of new here, so maybe you haven't seen me talking about them. those darn things come in HANDY, let me tell you!
any strong magnets will work though, hdd's are just an easy source, and they're flat. i use the glue dots because i'm using plastic boxes, if you use metal, just stick them on and use another metal box on the outside to draw around. it will "center itself" to the correct area that way. *good luck*

DM

 

[zpm]

Here's a way. Never tried it, but I think I will on my next project.

http://www.dannylipford.com/diy-home-improvement/cutting-drywall-around-outlet-boxes/

Now you have a legit excuse for carrying lipstick in your tool belt.:thumbup:

There's also some templates you attach to the box and it will mark the sheet. I don't they they would work well on OSB.

 

[DangerMouse]

if you go to get one, they're usually glued to a metal plate with mounting holes. you can bend the metal slowly (i use vise and pliers) to release the glue and get just the magnet that way.
i also use them still glued to screw to the side of my workbench to hang tools i use all the time from. always amazed how much weight they will hold.

DM

 

[Roy Rowlett]

zpm,
Thanks, I 'll keep the lipstick with my tampons.

 

[Termite]

The lipstick trick works as good as anything out there. I highly recommend it.

 

[DangerMouse]

sure it works, but you have to clean the goop off the box, then off your hands, and tools... i tried it once and i'm just too messy i guess.
and it stinks too...*phew* ...or is that just me that hates the smell of that stuff? reminds me of kissing grandma....

DM

 

[Termite]

DM there are lots of ways to skin a cat.

 

[DangerMouse]

sure, but the cats still don't like it....

DM

 

[PaliBob]

sure, but the cats still don't like it....

DM

The Irfanview logo cat doesn't seem to like it

 

[ARI001]

I usually measure over for the boxes but there are easier ways to do it. The lipstick trick works fine if you have it on hand, if you don't want to use lipstick you can use chalk (they do sell it in a half oval shape for this purpose. There are also a variety of inserts on the market that install into the box and leave pin pricks in drywall. I don't know how well they would work in OSB. Rotozip does make a wood cutting bit and it works OK on 1/4" panels but 7/16 OSB may burn it and/or the rotozip up. If you go that route you will still need to measure to the center of the boxes so you know approx where they are (or use DM's magnet trick) as it will be harder to locate where they are on the thicker panels vs drywall or 1/4" panels.

 

[DangerMouse]

once, the only thing i could find on hand was some 'water based personal lubricant'. lol
i smeared a little on the box and it worked ok. but same as the lipstick, i had to clean up the excess before i could wire.
but hey, it worked for the one panel i had to do. at least it didn't smell like grandma kisses....

DM