[Festus2]

You might try putting tape - painter's tape - over the line that you want to cut. You will also need to redraw the line again over the tape. This might help any chipping or tearing on the smooth side. Drilling should not be a problem. It is the cutting that you should take precautions. You didn't mention what you would be using to do the cutting. I am assuming that you are talking about a saber saw or something similar to that??