What to use to cut vents in side panel?

[jdizzle]

I'm sure there is other threads on here about this but couldn't find them...

What is everyone using to cut vents in their side panels?

Pics and advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[LRD]

I've always used my saber saw with a fairly fine tooth metal cutting blade. Don't go to fast or the plastic will melt.

Good Luck

They turn out like this with dog proof screen door material from Home Depot glued from the back with 3M Super Weather strip adhesive in black.

 

[kbl6z]

Holesaw

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I have used the jigsaw and I have also used a dremel with a cutting wheel, it melts but nothing a sharp carton knife won't cure. The dremel gives straighter cuts.

 

[flynfvr]

what to use

The rotozip works great. Sorry no pics-go to Sears or Home Depot and see for yourself.

 

[suitcase]

X2 on the hole saw, 2 inch you have good air flow and still have good plastic on the side pannel, to keep some of its strength.

 

[Rotax_Kid]

Nothing works as good for me as one of these blades in a Olfa knife. The cut is so smooth and as straight as you want compared to a jigsaw blade. Takes sabout 4-5 passes to go right through a XP side panel. I've done quite a few of them with this and blades last forever.

http://www.olfa.com/BladesDetail.aspx?C=34&Id=59

 

[West]

heat gun and razor blade - goes through like butter.

 

[EricW]

Roto-Zip on one side and shop vac on the other to catch the plastic chips. If youre doing it on the sled you'll want to cover the intake and clutches cuz plastic will fly. Good luck. EW

 

[Gone Sleddin]

Craftsman multi-tool works good for me

 

[Twostroke]

Holesaw, buy the kit at harbor freight, comes with about 10 different sizes.

 

[milehighassassin]

I've always used a cutoff wheel/disc

 

[jdizzle]

Thanks everyone for your input! I ended up using a dremel, worked pretty well!

 

[SnowSnob]

I was just going to say a dremel. Use the cutter to get the bulk then use the sander to make it look perrtty.

 

[dennis]

Drill baby Drill

Another option I did on my '08 was to drill a pattern after taping1/4" lined paper to panals. 3/16TH bit and line inside of panal w/screening (door/window, plastic/fiberglass). Glue in place or use Gorilla tape to hold edges of screen in place. Tape has advantage of easy change out if something tears or falls apart.

Dennis

 

[Clarke673]

how i do it is i trace the vent on the panel with a tire marker. Then i take a drill and cut about an inch inside of where the vent mounts on. I drill holes in a strait line all the way around, and then grab a charp knife. its super easy!