[C320-list] Hole cutting.for Nicro vent.

[Warren Updike]

Advice I got for drilling a hole in the hull for AC discharge with a hole saw is to make the pilot hole then run the hole saw in reverse to score through the Gel coat, then run in forward through the FRP. 
Cutting/sawing acrylic sheet may not be the same as gel coat & FRP. Call the vendor of the vent and ask them. Seems they should know.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay


-----Original Message-----
From: sholdr at aol.com [mailto:sholdr at aol.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 1:46 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Hole cutting.for Nicro vent.


I used a 4.5 in hole saw and variable speed drill -- drill starter hole first and go slow -- no problems
 
PEH
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: JJ Morrison <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
To: Catalina List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Tue, Mar 1, 2016 11:03 am
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Hole cutting.for Nicro vent.

I use a Dremel with a vertical cutting  tool, like a drill bit with abrasive cutters on the shaft. It works great but you need to be patient and go slow.JohnM1999#574

> Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2016 11:36:39 -0500
> From: marekf at gmail.com
> To: C320-list at catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Hole cutting.for Nicro vent.
> 
> ​List,
> 
> To improve ventilation I have decided to put 4" Nicro solar vent in my
> forward hatch.
> ​I need to cut 4.5" diameter hole in 0.5" thick acrylic (?)
> Seems that acrylic is prone to melting and it might not be easy
> cutting/drilling through 0.5" thickness.
> Has anyone tackled this task before and can share tips on what tools to use
> ?
> 
> Kind regards,
> 
> Marek Fluder
> #1028
> Lake Ontario