Can anyone advise the safest and best way to cut a round hole in the forward hatch and in the window above the heads.
For my new OrIgo heatpal I plan to install two solar powered vents
Fri, 16/01/2015 - 8:39pm
#1
solar powered vent
I'm guessing the holes are about 4" - 5" dia? My preferred method for this sort of size is to drill a series of 10mm-ish holes around the perimeter of the circle, then use a padsaw to cut between them to remove the disc. Finally finish off with a rasp and/or file.
You might be able to cut the GRP of the hatch using a jigsaw with a narrow fine-tooth blade, although it's a bit tight, but I wouldn't recommend that on the window as there's a high risk of cracking the acrylic.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
this was fine for cutting the hatch for my vent, it just about managed to go through the thick pedastal too before the blades blunted. I keep meaning to look for quality blades but just as cheaper to just another I suspect? to that end, I would use on the window first whilst sharpest.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Handy-Adjustable-Metal-Circle-Hole-Saw-Drill-B...
I use one of these -
http://www.screwfix.com/p/adjustable-hole-cutter-with-cowl/48984?kpid=48984&kpid=48984&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Power%20Tool%20Accessories-_-Shopping%20-%20Power%20Tool%20Accessories&gclid=CM29zvn5m8MCFZLLtAodExQA0g
took my time had no problems !
It's better to soar with the eagles than scratch with the chickens
Hi. Ian. If mine is same diametet would you be prepared to post it for a fee?
Roly
My nephew, who works at Pendennis Yachts in Falmouth fitted mine.
He used a pillar drill (having access to his works facilities) and took the window out first to work on.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna (26M)
I was looking at solar vents for the same reason. At risk of looking a bit daft can I ask if they operate in the dark (on some kind of battery back up) as I'd be wanting to vent heating at night. I was thinking of mounting one in a replacement washboard so I didn't have to drill yet another hole in my already highly perforated 26C.
I've been looking at these too. Some do have a small NiMh battery so they run and charge during daylight and continue to run at night until the battery's flat. They don't have a particularly powerful fan but provide constant trickle ventilation. I propose to modify one to run either from its own solar cell/battery or from the boat DC supply for higher power extraction (my wife dreams of the day I buy something and don't immediately take it to pieces!). The motor on the SunVent models is good to around 6v but normally just runs from the 1.2v NiMh battery so much greater fan speed is possible with a little DC-DC switch mode converter to give me 6v from the 12v system.
What I haven't found is a sensibly priced model that also features a closable vent. (I'm not stretching to £220! for a Vetus vent). I am reassured however by members who have not had waves or rain getting through these.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
Sorry I borrowed it from a friend :-(
It's better to soar with the eagles than scratch with the chickens
Roly,
What diameter do you need?
I have a trammel cutter (adjustable) and may have a starrett hole saw of the appropriate size you can borrow.
Cheers,
Dave.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
Hi Dave
would it be possible to borrow your cutter? Does it cut fibreglass and acrilic?
I live in Harnham , Salisbury
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