Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Cutting out Backing Plates

I've managed to cut out the backing plates for my new through-hulls.  I had NO idea how hard it would be to cut 1/2" FRP sheets.  I'm using 20 TPI bi-metal blades in my jig-saw, and I can cut about two 4" backing plates before the teeth are ground to nothing.  The normal wood blades last about 30 seconds.  When the blades are cutting, it's very slow going as well.

At this point they are cut out and ready to be drilled for the bolts and through-hull.  I need to pick up some hole saws for the drill press next, and find the length I need for the bronze bolts.  Today I was able to get the hull ground clean in the areas these will mount, so I'm making good progress.

Now I can only hope that I won't blow through hole-saws the way I did jig saw blades as they are a lot more expensive.

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