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> I have the the deck of my Coho ready to attatch to the hull. It seams to
> me it would be much easier to cut my hatch openings now so I would have
> better access to the inside hull/deck joint for glassing. I remeber
> reading (but couldn't find) a post saying this was a bad idea. Why?
> I also remeber reading abouta handle for a jig saw blade that makes this
> job easier.I haven't been able to find this tool at any local hardware or
> woodworking store. Where can I find one?
Doyle, I started paddling my Artic Tern late August, and decided to wait to cut in the hatches. I've been putting it off since then, but decided New Years Day to do the scary deed. It was far easier than I imagined. I bought Bosch blades and looked all over, without success, for a handle that I read about on this forum. Without that, and worrying that hand sawing really would lead to a less smooth line, I took the plunge and decided to use the power jig saw. I put it on a slow speed (2 out of 6), wore a Petzal headlight so I'd have a bright spot of light on the cutting edge, and simply "did it." I followed advice on the forum to put tape across the hatch after getting it half cut, so that it would not drop away and rip as I finished the cut. All in all, the hatches look great and it took me about 10-15 minutes per hatch. I'm expecting to build another this summer, and I'll do it the same, waiting until the deck is on to cut them. Good luck to you.
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Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
