The logistics are driving me nuts.

[Miriam C.]

Sorry guys I can't sleep cause I have things outta order.

1.. Do I varnish before I put the hinge on the hatch? And to the roof?

If so: How exactly does one go about getting the hatch to stay where it should? If your alone that is. When the skin is on I won't be able to clamp it.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks for answering my dumb questions

[PaulC]

Hi Miriam, I prefit everything,i.e. hinges etc, prior to removing and varnishing. That way it is all predrilled and should line up after varnishing.

Yeah, I know-------- "Where's da pics?"

Remember, I'm on my second hatch on number2, so there ain't no pics

Cheers
Paul

[Miriam C.]

Thanks Paul,
I guess that makes sense. Will have get some helpers to hold everything in place.

Ya Ya da pix. This must be your busy season. We are getting cold and wet. Not getting much done now. Tomorrow will make the hatch a permanant piece. Right now it is just screwed lightly w/short screws.

Oh yeah---What size screws anyone???????? Kind too please????

[mikeschn]

If the hinge has countersunk holes, get some stainless steel flat head screws.

I use various lengths #8 screws, depending on the thickness and type of material.



Mike...

[asianflava]

It will help to have one of these too:

[SkipperSue]

It will help to have one of these too:

Are those the things that you put into the holes to hold them together?

[Endo]

Are those the things that you put into the holes to hold them together?

Self-centering drill bits.

[PaulC]

Thanks Paul,
We are getting cold and wet. Not getting much done now.

Hi Miriam, Wish we could have a drop of rain down here We've had less than half our average to date and we are heading into our summer
Water restrictions start on the 20th of this month. Farmers are screaming about how we can expect a fall of 80% over last years reaping.
Drought areas are being declared everywhere, this is the third year running with below average rainfall.
Living in the driest state on the driest Continent in the world you think we would be able to manage, but, nup, ain't gonna happen.
Best of luck with the Hatch, Girl
Cheers
Paul

[GPW]

And with all those fancy screws and countersink bits , that are required.... we also carry a ball of Beeswax around to allow the screws to be easily inserted ,a quick swipe to coat and lubricate the threads , and the wax seals the wood around the threads ...
Testing hot glue , for stuff I'd NEVER want to take apart ...

[SkipperSue]

Are those the things that you put into the holes to hold them together?

Self-centering drill bits.

Forgive my stupidity but I've nerver heard of such a thing. What exactly do they do?

[Miriam C.]

Good morning Everyone,
Paul, we are still down 17 inches for this year. Don't know the total for the last 3 but it is not good. I will wish you just enough rain to get you by. Don't want a flood. Or we could always send the Blue Bonnet tear down for you. Or I could come paint something.

Self centering bit. Is that to drill the holes in straight. I have to drill my own or find someone to do it for me. nother tool.

Mike #8--is 1" long enough. board will be
1 1/4"w x 1 1/2" d. I think the firewood I took off this was green oak so I am chopping it.

Thanks everyone. It is much appreciated.

[jay]

i have used similar called "vix" bits [but vix may be a proprietary name]

it's a drill bit encased in the metal sheath with a spring. the tapered end of the bit goes into the hardware [example: leaf on a hinge] and centers the bit & drill bit. the other [hex] end goes into the drill chuck.

when the drill is started and plunged, the bit [in Theory!] goes directly to the center of the hole in the hardware.

i have never had too much use for them. usually i drill a hole or two [again the example of hinge leaf] off center to pull the hinge in the direction i want it to go. when everything is adjusted & operating to code [mine] i will place the remaining screws in the center of the hardware's holes to hold the margins / clearances i have established.

like everything else in life, give it a try and see if it works for you.

[rbeemer]

Skip,
The bits are dgreat for installing hinges. The outside fits into the screw hole on the hinge so when you push down to drill the hole, the hole is now centered in the hinge screw hole, that way when you screw down your hinge especicially piano type hinges, the hinge won't move because your hole is off-center

I also use them for drilling shelf pin holes and making cribbage boards

[SkipperSue]

Ok I get it now. Thanks everyone, looks like something I'll be getting now.

[Miriam C.]

OK. Not to drill the holes in the hinge. Guess I still need a step-down to do that. Goody more tools.

You guys are great.