January 14, 2007 - Cutting the Canopy
Today's the day I cut the canopy.

I wanted to cut it with a pneumatic die grinder using the cutting wheel supplied with the finish kit.  But there was no way my little compressor could drive a die grinder.  Bruce lent me this compressor which has a lot higher CPM than mine. 

The first thing I did was spend half an hour reviewing Dan Checkoway's web site.  I know it's been said many times but his site is just a valuable resource.  It's like an instruction manual with pictures. 
 
I started with the forward edge -- the clamp mark area.  I knew there was more to trim off on the front, but I just wanted to get some experience before getting to the serious cuts.  I had the little space heater going below.  The basement is about 70 degrees and the heater got it up around 80. 
 
I did the taping thing like Dan.  I peeled back the vinyl and laid tape down with the outboard edge along the cut line.  Then I cut the vinyl so it was to about the middle of the tape.  Then I put down another line of tape, sealing the vinyl down to the first layer of tape. 
At first the die grinder wasn't cutting too well.  After a few adjustments the die grinder was working great.  I was surprised how thick the canopy plastic is.  I took awhile to trim a side of the canopy.   As I cut, I would put some duct tape on to keep the cut trim from dangling. 
Done with the front edge.  My first cut piece. 
Next I wanted to trim the sides.  I put some foam on the floor, covered it with a vinyl tablecloth, and just put the canopy on it's side, leaning against the couch.  I ran some duct tape to keep the sides about 43" apart.  Without the tape, they would splay to about 48". 
Side angle shot.
Cutting the side. 
I finished the sides, and taped the forward and back ends.  On the forward edge, I'd be trimming the horizontal part. 
While I was doing all this, I had the TV going so I could catch the NFL Semi-final football games.  I'd have to stop work about halfway through the fourth quarter since both games this Sunday were close.  I felt sorry for the San Diego Chargers.  They probably have the best team in the league, but they let New England hang around, and Tom Brady -- well, he's like Joe Montana.  He's got some intangible quality where he somehow always finds a way to win. 
I was all set to cut the front and back edges, file them smooth, then trial fit the canopy on the canopy frame for the first time.  But my die grinder suddenly failed.  Actually, it would not turn off.  Not a good thing.  I had to kill the air to it to get it to stop.  I only paid $10 for it at Harbor Freight.  Yeah, I know.  Oh well, tomorrow I'll get another one.  Maybe I'll splurge and get the $16 one. 
All dressed up and nowhere to go.
 
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