How to cut Prempanel acoustic panels for powerpoint?

[martinW]

Im installing the Prempanel acoustic panels vertically on a plaster wall and need to cut out around a powerpoint?

Any thoughts on how best to do this without damaging the panel or loosening the wood slats?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @martinW. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about cutting Prempanel's.

There's some basic advice that you should follow:

1. Always cut the panels from the wood slat side. 

2. Mark out your cut with a pencil first (do not use a pen or permanent marker) 

3. Once you have your markings, run a piece of 25mm wide masking tape from one cut point to the opposite. 

4. Ensure the masking tape is stuck down at every surface point of the wooden slats. 

5. Remark your cut line onto the tape. 

6. Only use a fine-tooth saw or circular saw to make the cut. 

7. Guide the saw slowly to not gouge the edges of the wooden slats. 

8. If using a circular saw, clamp a straight edge to the panel to ensure a smooth and straight cut. 

9. When finished, remove the masking tape, and wipe away any residue

Furthermore, when you cut the panels, you need to install additional fixings as per below. I'd install these fixings before cutting around your cutout to ensure you don't damage the panel or cause the timber to become loose.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell