I've just bought a new extractor hood and need to change the flue too as the old one is a different size and doesn't fit properly on the new hood. This is a nuisance as the old flue already has a hole cut in the side for a PVC duct to vent the gasses through an exterior wall about 2 metres away. Unfortunately the flue that came with the hood doesn't have a hole in the side and the manufacturers (Candy) say they don't do any other versions with a hole in. That means I have to cut one myself, but it's made of stainless steel and will need a machine tool apparently. Any advice here, such as how to cut a hole in the flue without ruining it or where to get another flue with a hole in the side (that fits)?
Cutting a hole in a metal flue
- Thread starter candyprob
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The simple solution is to go to a machine shop with a plasma cutter which will take about five minutes to do a hand held hole.
To do it at home would be easier with some kind of grinding tool. Easier said than done.
Or you could use a tungsten tipped HSS drill and make lots of little holes and have jagged edges.
Tony
To do it at home would be easier with some kind of grinding tool. Easier said than done.
Or you could use a tungsten tipped HSS drill and make lots of little holes and have jagged edges.
Tony
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Just make the hole a fraction smaller and file the ragged edges smooth.
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Thanks guys, sounds like it might be an easier job than I thought. The shop I bought it from recommended a jigsaw on a slow speed. My plumber's just phoned and reckons a hacksaw will do it, which sounds like a lot of hard work to me. I'd prefer a plasma cutter, but how much would a machine shop charge me for a job like that if I brought it in?
My plumber's just been round and cut a hole in the flue with a pair of hand held cutters as easily as if it was a sheet of cardboard. Obviously the guy who told me I needed a machine tool was either leading me up the garden path or talking out of the back of his head.
Do you mean with tin snips?
As they are very thin that will probably work OK but again its likely to end up with rather rough edges.
There is another very good tool called a Niblex Nibbler but they are expensive and not commonly available.
Tony
As they are very thin that will probably work OK but again its likely to end up with rather rough edges.
There is another very good tool called a Niblex Nibbler but they are expensive and not commonly available.
Tony
Give him a putty medal : and keep his phone number - he`s an old skool craftsman
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