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#1
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The
holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? |
#2
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 24, 10:45*am, wrote:
I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. * The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. * The soffit vent material is not flat. *It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. * Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. * Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? If you make sure your center bit is long enough you can do this with a hole saw. It's going to want to grab bad when the saw part hits the material. Since it's plastic you can run the drill in reverse and that will lessen the grabbing. You still want a good grip on the drill. If you have scrap it wouldn't be a bad idea to try it there first. |
#3
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
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#4
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Cordless drill, low speed and the hole saw. Go slow and use light pressure. Spin out in your center hole or pushing too hard are your greatest perils. Every other "dip" on the soffit has the locking channel which will be much harder to cut then if you are in the center of a single board. If possible avoid that. -- Colbyt Please come visit http://www.househomerepair.com |
#5
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 24, 10:55*am, dpb wrote:
wrote: I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. * The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. * The soffit vent material is not flat. *It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. * Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. * Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Hole saw work fine for the vinyl; question is what's behind it or is it all there is at that point? Nothing behind it but air. Which I guess is good, because there is nothing else to drill through. But it's bad because the thin plastic is gonna want to bend and get away from the hole saw. *If'en there's anything nearby to tack it to, I'd predrill the holes in a piece of 3/8 or 1/2 ply and use it as guide to avoid possibility of the holesaw grabbing an edge and yanking me while I'm on the ladder. The grabbing was my concern too. Nothing to easily tack onto for a guide either. Depending on the particular vinyl, some is quite easily cut w/ sharp utility knife. *And, of course, if you happen to have it in the kit, the Greenlee punch works as well as for sheet metal (altho it's mighty pricey if you don't have )... -- No punches. And the punch would need access from behind too, no? I can't get my hand in there from the attic, though there is room for the pipe to pass. I also like the other suggestion to use a cordless drill with good speed control to try to lessen the grabbing. |
#6
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 24, 11:06*am, wrote:
On Jun 24, 10:55*am, dpb wrote: wrote: I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. * The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. * The soffit vent material is not flat. *It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. * Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. * Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Hole saw work fine for the vinyl; question is what's behind it or is it all there is at that point? Nothing behind it but air. *Which I guess is good, because there is nothing else to drill through. * But it's bad because the thin plastic is gonna want to bend and get away from the hole saw. *If'en there's anything nearby to tack it to, I'd predrill the holes in a piece of 3/8 or 1/2 ply and use it as guide to avoid possibility of the holesaw grabbing an edge and yanking me while I'm on the ladder. The grabbing was my concern too. *Nothing to easily tack onto for a guide either. Depending on the particular vinyl, some is quite easily cut w/ sharp utility knife. *And, of course, if you happen to have it in the kit, the Greenlee punch works as well as for sheet metal (altho it's mighty pricey if you don't have )... -- No punches. *And the punch would need access from behind too, no? * I can't get my hand in there from the attic, though there is room for the pipe to pass. I also like the other suggestion to use a cordless drill with good speed control to try to lessen the grabbing.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - As I said once before, reverse the drill. A holesaw will cut plastic when run backwards. |
#7
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
... On Jun 24, 11:06 am, wrote: On Jun 24, 10:55 am, dpb wrote: wrote: I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Hole saw work fine for the vinyl; question is what's behind it or is it all there is at that point? Nothing behind it but air. Which I guess is good, because there is nothing else to drill through. But it's bad because the thin plastic is gonna want to bend and get away from the hole saw. If'en there's anything nearby to tack it to, I'd predrill the holes in a piece of 3/8 or 1/2 ply and use it as guide to avoid possibility of the holesaw grabbing an edge and yanking me while I'm on the ladder. The grabbing was my concern too. Nothing to easily tack onto for a guide either. Depending on the particular vinyl, some is quite easily cut w/ sharp utility knife. And, of course, if you happen to have it in the kit, the Greenlee punch works as well as for sheet metal (altho it's mighty pricey if you don't have )... -- No punches. And the punch would need access from behind too, no? I can't get my hand in there from the attic, though there is room for the pipe to pass. I also like the other suggestion to use a cordless drill with good speed control to try to lessen the grabbing.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - As I said once before, reverse the drill. A holesaw will cut plastic when run backwards. ============ Two votes for that idea. A hole saw run in reverse will even cut soft materials like car door panel fabric or vinyl. It should do fine with the plastic he's dealing with. |
#9
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 24, 9:45*am, wrote:
I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. * The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. * The soffit vent material is not flat. *It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. * Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. * Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? A fine tooth hole saw or a hole saw made for tile wont knock you off the ladder if it kicks. |
#10
Posted to alt.home.repair
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW |
#11
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
wrote in message
... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? A Dremel tool would do the trick. Variable speed would be a good idea to keep from melting the plastic. That can clog the cutting bit, or fling hot goo onto your skin. It's got a way of landing only where your goggles do NOT provide coverage. |
#12
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 24, 10:17*pm, "WW" wrote:
wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. * The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. * The soffit vent material is not flat. *It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. * Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. * Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. |
#13
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
wrote in message
... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job? |
#14
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 25, 9:41*am, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. * If it works, it would be very simple. * I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? You have heard of gloves, haven't you? |
#15
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
wrote in message
... On Jun 25, 9:41 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? You have heard of gloves, haven't you? ===================== Pish posh. It's a silly idea. Buy a Dremel tool if you don't have one. Everyone should. Their web site's got a guide to which bits would work best for your job. Home Despot or Lowe's both carry the bits. |
#16
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 26, 9:42*am, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 25, 9:41 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message .... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message .... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? *You have heard of gloves, haven't you? ===================== Pish posh. It's a silly idea. Buy a Dremel tool if you don't have one. Everyone should. Their web site's got a guide to which bits would work best for your job. Home Despot or Lowe's both carry the bits.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I have a Dremel and I don't see it as being a good solution. How can one control the pattern so that you get a round hole? Remember, this is 20 ft up in the air, on a soffit. With a hole saw, you have the center arbor that will help keep it in place. Besides calling the idea to use a heated tin can or similar "silly", and offering "pish posh", whatever that means, I have yet to hear you explain what exactly is wrong with it and why it could not work? |
#17
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
wrote in message
... On Jun 26, 9:42 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 25, 9:41 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? You have heard of gloves, haven't you? ===================== Pish posh. It's a silly idea. Buy a Dremel tool if you don't have one. Everyone should. Their web site's got a guide to which bits would work best for your job. Home Despot or Lowe's both carry the bits.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I have a Dremel and I don't see it as being a good solution. How can one control the pattern so that you get a round hole? Remember, this is 20 ft up in the air, on a soffit. With a hole saw, you have the center arbor that will help keep it in place. Besides calling the idea to use a heated tin can or similar "silly", and offering "pish posh", whatever that means, I have yet to hear you explain what exactly is wrong with it and why it could not work? ========== When you get the can hot enough, for long enough to do the job, it'll obviously be unsafe to handle. And yes, I've heard of gloves. Got any ancient asbestos gloves? No? Fugettabout this idea. The hole saw's a great idea, but if you have any concerns about it grabbing the plastic and messing up the job, a more precise method is called for. Granted, running the hole saw backwards will help prevent grabbing, but it sounds like you're not comfortable yet with the tool. The Dremel would be easy to control. I used to do custom car audio installations and I've used a Dremel to cut literally hundred of dashboards, while working in positions which were as tricky as standing on a ladder. |
#18
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 26, 1:04*pm, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 26, 9:42 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 25, 9:41 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message .... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? You have heard of gloves, haven't you? ===================== Pish posh. It's a silly idea. Buy a Dremel tool if you don't have one. Everyone should. Their web site's got a guide to which bits would work best for your job. Home Despot or Lowe's both carry the bits.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I have a Dremel and I don't see it as being a good solution. *How can one control the pattern so that you get a round hole? * Remember, this is 20 ft up in the air, on a soffit. * With a hole saw, you have the center arbor that will help keep it in place. Besides calling the idea to use a heated tin can or similar "silly", and offering "pish posh", whatever that means, I have yet to hear you explain what exactly is wrong with it and why it could not work? ========== When you get the can hot enough, for long enough to do the job, it'll obviously be unsafe to handle. And yes, I've heard of gloves. Got any ancient asbestos gloves? No? Fugettabout this idea. The hole saw's a great idea, but if you have any concerns about it grabbing the plastic and messing up the job, a more precise method is called for. Granted, running the hole saw backwards will help prevent grabbing, but it sounds like you're not comfortable yet with the tool. The Dremel would be easy to control. I used to do custom car audio installations and I've used a Dremel to cut literally hundred of dashboards, while working in positions which were as tricky as standing on a ladder.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - You must admit though, keeping a dremel or a rotozip from wandering off is an aquired skill. Without lots of practice it';s hard to cut a nice round hole free hand. |
#19
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
... On Jun 26, 1:04 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 26, 9:42 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 25, 9:41 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? You have heard of gloves, haven't you? ===================== Pish posh. It's a silly idea. Buy a Dremel tool if you don't have one. Everyone should. Their web site's got a guide to which bits would work best for your job. Home Despot or Lowe's both carry the bits.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I have a Dremel and I don't see it as being a good solution. How can one control the pattern so that you get a round hole? Remember, this is 20 ft up in the air, on a soffit. With a hole saw, you have the center arbor that will help keep it in place. Besides calling the idea to use a heated tin can or similar "silly", and offering "pish posh", whatever that means, I have yet to hear you explain what exactly is wrong with it and why it could not work? ========== When you get the can hot enough, for long enough to do the job, it'll obviously be unsafe to handle. And yes, I've heard of gloves. Got any ancient asbestos gloves? No? Fugettabout this idea. The hole saw's a great idea, but if you have any concerns about it grabbing the plastic and messing up the job, a more precise method is called for. Granted, running the hole saw backwards will help prevent grabbing, but it sounds like you're not comfortable yet with the tool. The Dremel would be easy to control. I used to do custom car audio installations and I've used a Dremel to cut literally hundred of dashboards, while working in positions which were as tricky as standing on a ladder.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - You must admit though, keeping a dremel or a rotozip from wandering off is an aquired skill. Without lots of practice it';s hard to cut a nice round hole free hand. ============ No matter what he uses, he'll have to caulk around the pipe. Whatever. |
#20
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 26, 1:38*pm, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote: "jamesgangnc" wrote in message ... On Jun 26, 1:04 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message .... On Jun 26, 9:42 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message .... On Jun 25, 9:41 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: wrote in message ... On Jun 24, 10:17 pm, "WW" wrote: wrote in message ... I need to cut two 2 1/4" holes in a vinyl vent type soffit. The holes will be next to each other for 2" PVC pipe to run through.. The soffit vent material is not flat. It's flat for a few inches then has about a 1/2 dip, then flat again, etc. Any ideas on how to proceed? It's at the top of the second story too, so access is only from a ladder. Best thing I could come up with so far is a hole saw? Also, I figure the back up plan if I screw up the holes is to cut a square opening with a key hole saw and then find a piece of the same vinyl soffit, cut the holes in that piece on the ground, then glue it over the cut opening. Any other ideas? Find a food can that is 2 1/4 inch diameter. Cut out the top. Heat with propane torch. the upper edge. Press against the soffit and melt through the plastic. Leaves a smooth edge. WW That's an interesting possibility and worth a try. If it works, it would be very simple. I think what I need to do next regardless of the approach is find a piece of similar or identical soffit material so I can do some experimenting. Thanks for the idea. =========== What's your co-pay for an emergency room visit? Do you need your hands to do your job?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - What exactly is so dangerous about heating up the end of a tin can or similar and using it to cut cut through the soffit as opposed to any other method, eg hole saw? You have heard of gloves, haven't you? ===================== Pish posh. It's a silly idea. Buy a Dremel tool if you don't have one.. Everyone should. Their web site's got a guide to which bits would work best for your job. Home Despot or Lowe's both carry the bits.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I have a Dremel and I don't see it as being a good solution. How can one control the pattern so that you get a round hole? Remember, this is 20 ft up in the air, on a soffit. With a hole saw, you have the center arbor that will help keep it in place. Besides calling the idea to use a heated tin can or similar "silly", and offering "pish posh", whatever that means, I have yet to hear you explain what exactly is wrong with it and why it could not work? ========== When you get the can hot enough, for long enough to do the job, it'll obviously be unsafe to handle. And yes, I've heard of gloves. Got any ancient asbestos gloves? No? Fugettabout this idea. The hole saw's a great idea, but if you have any concerns about it grabbing the plastic and messing up the job, a more precise method is called for.. Granted, running the hole saw backwards will help prevent grabbing, but it sounds like you're not comfortable yet with the tool. The Dremel would be easy to control. I used to do custom car audio installations and I've used a Dremel to cut literally hundred of dashboards, while working in positions which were as tricky as standing on a ladder..- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - You must admit though, keeping a dremel or a rotozip from wandering off is an aquired skill. *Without lots of practice it';s hard to cut a nice round hole free hand. ============ No matter what he uses, he'll have to caulk around the pipe. Whatever.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - The plan was to get a reasonably round hole with no caulking required. It's a vented soffit so some gap is acceptable. |
#21
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
In article ,
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote: When you get the can hot enough, for long enough to do the job, it'll obviously be unsafe to handle. And yes, I've heard of gloves. Got any ancient asbestos gloves? No? Fugettabout this idea. I'm still waiting to hear from the person who suggested the idea, whether he's actually done it or just conceived it. It sounds completely reasonable to me, though. Perhaps your crib caught fire when you were a baby, and you have an unreasonable terror of hot things. The idea doesn't sound any more dangerous than a power tool to me. I'd encourage the OP to try it on some scrap and let us know. |
#22
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
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#23
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How to cut two 2 1/4" holes in vinyl soffit?
On Jun 26, 6:59*pm, aemeijers wrote:
wrote: (massive snip) Nobody else said it, so I will- if OP can match the pattern and the color of the existing soffit (or find a scrap piece in basement/crawlspace/garage ceiling), cut the holes on the ground, snap out the old panel, and snap the new one in. (Assuming he can pinpoint where the holes need to be, of course.) If old panel can't be matched, take it down, make the holes, and put it back up. Yes, I know, old panel could be well fastened. But most I've seen of the plastic variety are just sorta snapped into place. The debris I see on roadsides and in yards after windstorms would tend to support that. Only way to tell is get up there and poke at it. I've found that trying to cut or drill 'floating' plastic in mid-air, is like trying to machine a spring. -- aem sends.... Finally...a post from someone who's been there, done that. Pay attention, amateurs. Joe |
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