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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Scott & Heather on April 03, 2013, 12:06:50 PM
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I have 3/4" knotty pine interior walls and 1/8" outside aluminum sheet panel with about 1 3/4" pink foam insulation in between. Can I use a RotoZip to cut out a hole in the side of my bus? I need a fairly nice hole...I can draw lines and follow them. I need a 3" radius on the corners.
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We use one quite a bit. 3/4 pine would be a serious stretch for it, but maybe possible. If you are trying to cut through all three layers, I would say probably not going to happen (assuming we are talking about window installation...finally!). You would definately need a track to run it on, because you cannot freehand it on a straight line. Just not happening.
Through all of those layers, I would say very doubtful. One at a time. Possible.
FWIW
John
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Scott
Use an angle grinder or jig saw to get close to what you want then use a router to clean it up.
At least that is what I did through the inside panel -- aluminum skin and fiberglass skin.
Slow and steady and some good practice will help.
HTH
Melbo
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I would think it would wind up all your insulation around the bit.
I'm thinking that this needs to be done with a sabre saw. First drill pilot holes in the corners through the exterior and interior. Pull off the insulation around the bit and hit all corners. Then make a block to raise your saw blade up so it cuts only the pine. Or, cut the outside metal first. then razor blade the insulation out and make the cuts on the other side. A little too much for a rotozip tool, me thinks.
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Excellent advice from you guys. Exactly why I post my questions here. Ok, so I'm very good with a cutting wheel because I built this bus (those of you who did your own conversion know exactly what I mean), so should I draw the lines and use the cutting wheel after drilling the holes in all four corners so that the outside hole lines up with the inside? Oh, and yes...windows...finally :-) Thanks to Bontragers. They are an awesome place. Going back there when the weather warms up. Amazing place...
Hey, what about a sawzall? Bad idea?
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Scott,
I'd buy a 3" hole saw with fine teeth for cutting metal for the corners. You won't get the holes any more perfect than that. Just make sure your pilot holes are measured exactly on center. Even if you don't push the hole saw all the way through it will give you a perfect score on the aluminum. I'd buy a long drill bit to do the pilot holes so it goes all the way through the pine on the inside. Just make sure your drill is plumb when you drill the pilot holes. Then just connect the dots ;)
-Sean
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
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Scott,
I'd buy a 3" hole saw with fine teeth for cutting metal for the corners. You won't get the holes any more perfect than that. Just make sure your pilot holes are measured exactly on center. Even if you don't push the hole saw all the way through it will give you a perfect score on the aluminum. I'd buy a long drill bit to do the pilot holes so it goes all the way through the pine on the inside. Just make sure your drill is plumb when you drill the pilot holes. Then just connect the dots ;)
-Sean
[url=http://www.herdofturtles.org]www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)[/url]
1984 Eagle Model 10S
That's exactly what I'm going to do...3" hole saw is equal to a 1.5" radius right? So technically if I have 3" radius corners, I'd need a 6 inch hole saw?! :o
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That's exactly what I'm going to do...3" hole saw is equal to a 1.5" radius right? So technically if I have 3" radius corners, I'd need a 6 inch hole saw?! :o
:o A 6 IN Dia hole saw by hand will not be fun at all, or safe
I would look at a body saw they are small air powered with very fine teeth, body shops use them and that big of a radius would be easy to cut with one
you would have to do the wood and the outside seperate tho'(i think)
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Scott, your putting in windows,,,,,,????? ??? ???
GREAT....
Bill
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A real carpenter can use a jig saw with a fine tooth 6" blade like a surgeon with a scalpel . Just don't let it bounce. dave
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That's exactly what I'm going to do...3" hole saw is equal to a 1.5" radius right? So technically if I have 3" radius corners, I'd need a 6 inch hole saw?! :o
Scott - I meant to say 6" holesaw. That's about the biggest they make I think. Make sure you have a solid scaffold to stand on and comfortably drill the hole without having to bend over or reach up. Use a good powered drill (not battery) don't rush it, take your time, be safe and let the saw do the work. If the 1/8" is aluminum a bi-metal saw will go through it. The saw should last through the 4 windows cutting both inside and out with it. And it will cost you about 60 bucks :)
For the straight cuts through the metal I would use a 68tooth steel cutting blade on a circular saw. Set the depth to a 1/4" and connect your circular cuts. That's my way. Use gloves, goggles (not glasses-metal bounces everywhere) and don't let anyone stand under you looking up while you are cutting.
I would also keep a jigsaw with a fine tooth metal cutting blade and the rotozip around to trim where you need to. Cut the sheet out in pieces so you are not trying to hold up a 52" x 28" piece of metal with one hand while cutting with the other and start from the top and work your way down. And leave a good inch around the edge to cut out for the final trim. That will give you time to work with the circular saw or jigsaw or body saw...whichever you choose and get used to how it feels and cuts as you move along before you cut out that last bit around the edge.
Praying for you! Be safe and let us know how you make out. You know we love pictures.
-Sean
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
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How about that putty they use in the movies. You just put it around the hole area and WA-La it right through and instant hole?
Ok maybe not.LOL
Dave5Cs ;D
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I've considered blowing up a hole through it. C4 seems a little extreme though. One down, 4 to go:
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/04/hepanymu.jpg)
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Cool Scott
Looking good -- keep up the good work
Melbo
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Looks like a good job. Is the picture sideways or is the window installed with long side horozontal?
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Window is mounted horizontal. It's a wide and short window. These are all thermopane HEHR windows with tint. They look slick. The double pane makes them heavy but the insulating factor and zero condensation make it worth it.
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Waking up to this in the morning is simply a joy:
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/04/sysydyte.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/04/ry2egy2y.jpg)
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Scott,
Thats great. Wifey must love it! Now you just need some kewlo window dressing.
-Sean
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Looks like a realy good job,I see out the window most of your snow is gone.Wish it was the same here .Still have 8-16" on the ground dave
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Looks like a realy good job,I see out the window most of your snow is gone.Wish it was the same here .Still have 8-16" on the ground dave
Scott,
Thats great. Wifey must love it! Now you just need some kewlo window dressing.
-Sean
Thanks Sean! She does love it...pretty excited little bug she is. Me too. And yes, our snow is gone finally. In the 50's today. Yes we need pretty trim on the insde. ugly
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Very nice Scott, professional looking install, lvmci...
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/04/hyhepe4y.jpg)
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This is one of the reasons I used square corner windows-plus I like the look better. Good Luck, TomC
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TomC, that would have been nice...but they had none at bontragers that were thermopane. We now have two windows installed in the bedroom and will try to install our two remaining windows in the living room. Finally, after 3 years of ownership and 2 years of fulltiming, the "no windows" jokes will end. I'm going to miss them. People always wondered why we didn't have windows. And yes, we both chuckled as we read your surprised comments and heard your virtual sighs of relief...yes bus world, we now have windows. You guys are great.
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