installing fan...

[DanConnor]

I recently got a 4" radioshack fan to install into a hood I am building. Any carpenters have tips on how to install this attractively? I certainly can cut a hole the same size as the fan, but then where do the screws go? Or, I can drill a round hole and attach the fan inside that hole, but then its not flush on the outside...? Any thoughts? Thanks, Dan

[Rin]

Install the fan on the inside. Drill a 4" round hole through the canopy. Then take a finger guard and mount it on the outside of the canopy. This is the cleanest way I can think of.

[scubadude]

get a HOLE SAW....these are great for the fans....Unless you are really steady hand with a Jig saw I install the fan on the outside and basically have the air sucking into the canop and blowing out the reverse end of the fan....this way provides less salt creep on your fan motor and extends the life of the fan

[Duncan]

Dan,
check out my DIY page on my site. Just substitute wood for metal, and there you go. As scuba said, you can use either the 4 inch hole saw, or the jig saw, which ever works for you. Put the grill guard on the outside, the fan on the inside, and use long bolts, lock washers, and nuts to attach the fan to the wood. HTH.

Duncan

[mistermikev]

checkout rockler woodworking they sell a 3inch hole grommet/vent. you could cut a 3inch hole with a hole saw bit then silicone in the vent. IF you really want the best of both worlds they make a 4in square grommet. mount the fant to it and silicone the grommet to the wood.
mv

[The R/C Man]

Wood Vents - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Large Vent Grommets - Rockler Woodworking Tools