Trailer: 2014 Escape 21' pulled with 2014 Silverado Crewcab
Posts: 854
Hatch hole help
Trying to figure out best way to cut a hole for the new rear hatch. What kind of tool, oscillation, jig saw, etc. Tried to outline the hole with tape, won't stick because of BT S protectant. Cleaned that with Softscrub and little better.
What's worked well for others? I am thinking oscillating mutitool or handheld jig saw. Any tips would be hugely appreciated.
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Carl,
"Isn't it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?"
Zig Ziglar
I prefer a multi tool, but they do not do radius cuts well. I have cut a hatch in before with a jig saw and a fairly fine blade and it worked well.
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2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
You could call Escape, but I noticed on my build pictures that they cut the holes out but not the corners. I would imagine a die grinder with a cutoff wheel might work for that part. I would defiantly test in the middle. One of those Sheetrock tools that cut with a drill bit would do the corners, but test cut in the center to make sure it won’t chip the gelcoat.
Simple jigsaw and med to fine blade. Pilot hole to start and I applied most of the pressure to the side of the saw that was to be cut out and discarded. You can also apply tape to the foot of the saw as well. I used the belly band as the leveling point to measure from...good luck.
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So many modifications...so little time.
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21' pulled with 2014 Silverado Crewcab
Posts: 854
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eggscape
Simple jigsaw and med to fine blade. Pilot hole to start and I applied most of the pressure to the side of the saw that was to be cut out and discarded. You can also apply tape to the foot of the saw as well. I used the belly band as the leveling point to measure from...good luck.
Unfortunately the old 21 has a big style line about an inch above the hatch. Wish it was open and flat like this.
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Carl,
"Isn't it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?"
Zig Ziglar
I have cut openings in the Escape shell for a rangehood exhaust and bath window. Also did an outside shower on a Scamp. I sometimes drill the corners and then do the cutting with a Dremel with reinforced cutoff wheels. Has always worked perfectly.
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