Fantastic vent - Fiberglass RV
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Old 06-21-2012, 09:27 PM   #1
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Name: Gary
Trailer: 89 13' Scamp
California
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Fantastic vent

Hi All,
Ran into an issue with my 89 Scamp13. Trying to install fantastic vent. It calls for a 14" cutout. My Scamp came with a 2 speed vent fan,but the cutout is only 13.5" after removing. Any ideas on how to trim .25 inches from each side of cutout? I'm afraid to use a jigsaw for fear it may crack the fiberglass. It's pretty flexible up there. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks, GaryG
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Old 06-21-2012, 09:41 PM   #2
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An angle grinder with a course sandpaper disc will do it in less time than to get the tools out and put them back.
Or you could just cut 1/2 inch from 2 sides.
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Old 06-21-2012, 09:43 PM   #3
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You could try clamping 2" wide strips of 1/2" plywood on the inside and outside edges of the hole - measure the desired opening carefully, mark on the outside ply, and cut along that line with a fine-toothed jigsaw. I'd keep the clamps positioned near the blade, so the fiberglass edge is sandwiched between and supported by the ply strips. The clamps would have to be moved as you work along the cut, and should keep the ply strips snug against the fiberglass.
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Old 06-21-2012, 10:43 PM   #4
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have any friends who own a dremel tool? very clean cut, it'll take you about 2 mins.

I started cutting in my vent with a jigsaw and there was too much vibration. finished with the dremel and it was a breeze.
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Old 06-21-2012, 10:53 PM   #5
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Luke,
What did you use in the dremel?
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Old 06-22-2012, 04:49 AM   #6
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Roto-Zip (same as dremel tool) works great.

Art.
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Old 06-22-2012, 06:22 AM   #7
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I would use a fein tool or other brands are available. While cutting I hold a shop vac hose near the cutter blade. This will capture most of your fiberglass dust.
Eddie
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Old 06-22-2012, 07:45 AM   #8
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a wood file would work, you only need a 1/4" all around which is not that much to file.
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Old 06-22-2012, 07:51 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy in TO View Post
Luke,
What did you use in the dremel?
Roy,
I'm not at home to double check - but it was a cutting wheel that would have been similiar to this:

Heavy Duty Cut-Off Wheels (.040 in. thick, 20 per pkg.)-420 at The Home Depot

I'd never used a dremel much before working on my Boler - and then only really thought of it for intricate grinding, sanding, etc.

After I figured out how easily it cuts the fiberglass, I've used it many times since in the camper and in the house.
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Old 06-22-2012, 09:43 AM   #10
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I would have used an angle grinder like Roy, but I will admit the Dremel would be easier to manage. And with that cutoff wheel in it, a piece of cake.
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Old 06-22-2012, 11:00 AM   #11
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Thanks Luke,

I was thinking it might be something like this that is in my "generic dremel" kit. I have both.


Name:   mini_blade.jpg
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Tim,
I've got a 4-1/2" angle grinder that I used to trim the edges on my boler door to make the gap even. Very easy to handle.
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Old 06-22-2012, 11:04 AM   #12
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I like the ideas for dremal, angle grinder and just sand or file it.

I do figure it's worth mentioning the upcut jigsaw blade, since the teeth are angled toward the shoe rather than down the blade tends to pull the work toward the saw and you get less vibration. That and some masking tape along the cut can help with chipping and splintering.
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Old 06-22-2012, 11:07 AM   #13
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Roy, Yep I also have a 4 1/2" grinder, but haven't used it on fiberglass yet. I do have a diamond tipped wheel and have used it on many thing though.
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Old 06-30-2012, 02:57 PM   #14
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Oscillating Multi-tool works for me...
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Old 06-30-2012, 06:24 PM   #15
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Air powered die grinder with a two inch cutoff disc and air die grinder with a two inch sandpaper disc is how I modified the window opening in our Uhaul.
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Old 06-30-2012, 07:30 PM   #16
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I used a Dremel rotary tool with a cutting wheel (no teeth) when making the hole for my water heater. Worked like butter. Not super duper precise, but that wasn't needed.

And I'm about to remove my stock (I think, at least it's old) fan and put in a Fantastic Fan. I'd love it if it was too small, because the vent that's on there now is like 10 degrees off parallel with the rest of the trailer!
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