Best way to cut your kayak
Nov 2, 2010 12:43:17 GMT -1
Post by gerryw on Nov 2, 2010 12:43:17 GMT -1
When cutting a hole in your yak that is larger than a hole cutter will cut there is a far better and cheap alternative to a jigsaw.
Often when cutting a hole for a hatch the sides of the well get in the way of the sides of the jigsaw and you end up hacking it with a hacksaw blade or Stanley knife. When you've spent £700 on a new yak that puts the fear of God in any man.
A better alternative is a spiral cutter in a Dremel or other small hi-speed tool. Like the ones shown here...
www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-53-11561-88988-dremel-3.2mm-drywall-spiral-cutting-bit-%28561%29-x-3-pack.asp
Designed to cut drywall they act as a drill bit to puncture the surface and then as you move side to side they cut very cleanly through the plastic leaving a sharp edge. You still need to be careful and steady your hand(s) while cutting but they are a dream and get right up to the adjacent well wall when required. I use two hands and rest my wrist on a nearby fixed surface to allow me to follow a line precisely. They also let you revisit the cut hole if its a bit too tight to pare away more material accurately.
And at £6 for three they are damn cheap ....unless you shop at B&Q
Gerry
Often when cutting a hole for a hatch the sides of the well get in the way of the sides of the jigsaw and you end up hacking it with a hacksaw blade or Stanley knife. When you've spent £700 on a new yak that puts the fear of God in any man.
A better alternative is a spiral cutter in a Dremel or other small hi-speed tool. Like the ones shown here...
www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-53-11561-88988-dremel-3.2mm-drywall-spiral-cutting-bit-%28561%29-x-3-pack.asp
Designed to cut drywall they act as a drill bit to puncture the surface and then as you move side to side they cut very cleanly through the plastic leaving a sharp edge. You still need to be careful and steady your hand(s) while cutting but they are a dream and get right up to the adjacent well wall when required. I use two hands and rest my wrist on a nearby fixed surface to allow me to follow a line precisely. They also let you revisit the cut hole if its a bit too tight to pare away more material accurately.
And at £6 for three they are damn cheap ....unless you shop at B&Q
Gerry
