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 Izablue2 |
gelcoat |
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Posts: 124 07/05/08 15:55:54 |
I would like to add step lights to the companion way by means of the engine cover. I have never cut through gelcoat. I have the lights and the proper hole
saw bits but I don't want to screw it up.
What would be the proper procedure to do it right! Mark Izablue #835/3 |
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yorkrose |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 286 07/05/08 17:11:42 |
Mark,
This task should be pretty straightforward, with only a couple of standard cautions. Measure twice (or more) and cut once. You don't want to try to repair the gelcoat. Drill a small pilot hole before using the hole saw. In many cases the center bit in a hole saw is close to worthless. Starting with a small pilot hole, say 1/8 inch, makes the rest of the task easier. It also gives you one last chance to make sure you are working in the right place, without committing to the entire final hole size. At this stage it is easy to move over 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch and try again. Run the hole saw at a low speed, even if it is "high speed" rated. Sometimes there can be some binding, and you don't want the drill spun out of your hands. It is obviously important to avoid any skipping or walking of the hole saw before its track is well established. Overall this is an easy task. The gelcoat does not chip off in large flakes or anything like that. There will be some slight roughness around the edge of the hole, but it will not be much different than a hole drilled in wood. You may want to smooth the edges, but it is probably not necessary. Regards, Gene Fuller Yorkshire Rose, C42 #870 |
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symandalay |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 147 07/06/08 02:57:24 |
This does not apply to the hole saw, but one trick we use when installing screws in gelcoat is to first drill the hole through the fiberglass the right size
for the screw threads. Then use a larger bit and make a shallow countersink through the gelcoat. That keeps the gelcoat from crumbling when the screw is
installed.
Colin |
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Izablue2 |
gelcoat | #3 | ||
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Posts: 124 07/06/08 17:47:15 |
Thanks Gene and Collin for the advice.
Just what I needed! Project will start tomarrow Mark |
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pdrimmer |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 165 07/08/08 05:20:32 |
My solution to the light issue for the companionway steps was to velcro on a LED hockey puck light on the flat panel just inside the companionway. We can come
on the boat in the dark, reach in and turn on the light. There is enough illumination to then go into the boat and turn on the lights. The lights are
available in Home Depot or Costco. Cost about $10 for a package of three.
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