Hi everyone, I bought the flexible fiberglass panels for the ceiling. They are quite expensive and I want to be sure I don't ruin any when I cut them. Any suggestions for the best way to do this? Thanks, MG
Posted 2008-09-27 3:36 AM (#92180 - in reply to #92172) Subject: RE: DIY ceiling
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
You can make templates out of cardboard or Luan plywood and pre fit them first. Once they are correct, use them to mark the cut lines on your purchased panels.
"Measure twice, cut once" is the rule. But if you didn't follow it, "I cut it three times and it's still too short" often becomes the result.
When you cut your panels using the templates, cut them slightly oversize. You can always then trim them down to an accurate fit during installation.
Posted 2008-09-27 5:06 AM (#92185 - in reply to #92172) Subject: RE: DIY ceiling
Regular
Posts: 87
Location: Williamsburg VA
It is best to plan the layout and start with the largest panels first. That way there is always the possibiity to cut down a piece that may be cut to small.
Posted 2008-09-27 10:26 AM (#92199 - in reply to #92172) Subject: RE: DIY ceiling
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 479
Location: central sierra nevada foothills
Ugh! I used these, they use them in laundries for behind the washer along the wall. Thought it would be easy.....if I had to do my ceiling agian, I would of chosen something different. They are hard to handle and yes, do a template first, then cut......
Posted 2008-10-18 10:06 PM (#93228 - in reply to #92172) Subject: RE: DIY ceiling
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
A fine tooth "plywood" blade on a circular saw works well. Make sure you cut your lines straight, as the blade has little offset in the teeth and can cause kick back if it binds.
A fine tooth metal cutting blade installed on a jig saw will allow you to cut tight curves. A dry wall bit installed in a high speed cut out tool will easily cut any profile in fiberglass, as will a straight 1/4" bit installed in a router run at its highest rpm.
The later tools will have to be used with a guide to produce straight cuts. This can be as simple as a piece of wood held in place with clamps.