Cut outs for electrical outlets

[remout]

I'm about to start putting up 6" wide 3/4" thick T&G boards over typical stud walls. The boards will be run horizontally. Do you guys have a trick for cutting out the rectangular holes for electrical outlets?

I'm guessing a jig saw? But how do you transfer the position of the box to the board(s)?

Many thanks!

 

[jeffmattero76]

If you are going to leave the boxes where they are, careful measurements are the only way to do it, and cut out with a jigsaw, a sawzall, or a dremel, or go low tech and use a keyhole saw. If installing new boxes it may be easier to just rhn the wires, drill a hole in the new wood and push the wire through the hole into the room, and then get "old work" boxes and cut the wall openings after the wood is installed. Old work boxes have little clamps on them that will clamp to the panelling rather than being nailed to studs.

 

[bud16415]

Most boxes stick out a half inch so you will have to mount yours at ¾ . I always just do it with accurate measurements but have seen people put chalk or lipstick around the edge of the box and then push the wall piece up tight to leave a transfer mark. On drywall you can just wet the edge with water even and it will leave a mark on the paper.

 

[Snoonyb]

I'm about to start putting up 6" wide 3/4" thick T&G boards over typical stud walls. The boards will be run horizontally. Do you guys have a trick for cutting out the rectangular holes for electrical outlets?

I'm guessing a jig saw? But how do you transfer the position of the box to the board(s)?

Many thanks!

When you do your cutout you chamfer the bottom edge of the cut which allows you to insert into the previous board and retain a tight fit, without fracturing the tongue or grove.

 

[butch23]

I've used lipstick on receptacles ,just put a good marking on the box and put your wood up against it and press ,red works great . As far as cutting them out invest about 20.00 for a oscillating tool they do a lot cleaner job and won't splinter the wood

 

[slownsteady]

Once you have the hole marked and measured, drill a hole inside the area, using a large-ish bit. Then take your jigsaw, put the blade in the hole and cut carefully around your line. If Norplan was here, he'd add: "Measure twice, cut once! LOL!"