Keeping the whole of the perspex warm whilst cutting it (eg by having a very
warm
workshop) reduces the risk of cracking it.
Duncan McFadyean
On Wednesday, August 14, 2002 11:05 PM, TroyMaynor@aol.com
[SMTP:TroyMaynor@aol.com]
wrote:
> In a message dated 8/13/02 5:08:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> clevelee@cswebmail.com writes:
>
> << This technique has been done on older, and even some not so old, certified
> aricraft. The biggest challenge you'll have is in not damaging the
> plexiglas. A
> dull hole saw with very conservative pressure in the drill press would likely
> work well. Certainly a reasonable and lightweight approach to cockpit
> ventilation.
>
> Aircraft Spruce and Wicks, and possibly Airtex may carry the rotating vent.
> >>
>
> I used a fly cutter in a battery powered drill going very slow to do this
> once in a Challenger ultralight. (Wouldn't do it on my Europa though, I have
> other plans) It had 1/16" lexan (perspex). You should drill a 1/8" hole and
> use a smooth drill rod in the flycutter instead of a drill bit. Turn the
> cutter around and let it rotate backwards so it doesn't dig in too
> aggressively. Go very slowly leaning the cutter as necessary if you're
> working on a curved surface. I cut two without a hitch. You may want to
> practice on a piece of scrap before the good stuff.
> Troy
|