What size hole to cut for 4" icecap fan

[tangman99]

I know you thinking "duh", but the I ordered the 4" Icecap fan and it has 4" inch on the box. When I measured the circular opening of the fan, it is 4.5" across. I called Icecap and asked them if they made a 4.5" fan and they said they only made the 3" and 4" and that the 4" related to the size hole that I needed to cut. Now I'm thinking that will restrict some of the flow but maybe it has to be 4" so it will mount more stable.
So for those that have this fan, did you cut a 4" or 4.5" hole? I just want to be sure before I butcher my canopy.
Thanks,
Tangman

 

[blondenaso1]

I don't have the fan, but this is what you do. Measure the circular opening for the fan or the diameter of the fan blade. Then go to your local home improvement store and get a circular hole cuting bit for a drill. Then just drill out a hole with that diameter. Remember, you need someplace to mount the fan too. Don't cut to much wood out. HTH good luck

 

[tangman99]

That's what I measured. The size of the hole is 4.5"

 

[melbournefl]

Not familiar with the Ice Cap fans but FWIW my 3" fans are mounted over 2.5" holes leaving me space to screw the fan to the canopy.
Later,
Paul

 

[broomer5]

TangMan99
You can lay the fan housing on the wood. Use a sharp long nail or punch to mark the location points of the 4 holes of the black housing.
Remove the housing from the wood and center your metal fan guard - the guard has 4 holes too.
Then just take a pencil and outline the round metal guard, making sure you leave enough "meat" or wood near where the holes will be drilled in the wood.
Too thin, and the fan will not be secure.
Cut around the pencil traced circle, but don't go outside the circle.

 

[broomer5]

You can use a jigsaw to cut the holes once you have the pencil outline.
Drill holes for long bolts.
Install the fan, metal guard with washers/nuts and your done.
I had to supply 2 more washers with my kits.
They only furnished 2 washers per kit ???

 

[broomer5]

Fans mounted

 

[beth]

I have the Icecap fans and, for some reason, the instructions tell you to cut the holes 6-side-ed shaped. And it is 4-1/2". This makes a perfect fit. If you have the fans already, then there should be a diagram that comes with it that tells you exactly how to make the cuts, etc.

 

[broomer5]

There ya go Beth - reading the instructions again.
Guess I should have unfolded that piece of paper in the box - huh

 

[beth]

LOL...I had the same questions as Tang with the IC fans. The housing for the fans is what makes the extra 1/2" necessary.
Broomer, don't worry, when I'm ready to upgrade my lights, I'm going to send you what I have so you can modify it for a MH/VHO combo!

 

[wamp]

Leave it to a lady to read the instructions... I think we should ban beth from the DIY section
Who reads directions anyway? I have a new hobby, -- planes. I bought one last night. Tried putting it togther without the instructions, well.... It ain't going so well.
Maybe I should get beth to put it togther for me At least she will read the instructions.

 

[j21kickster]

lol- harsh wamp

 

[tangman99]

Thanks for help. I did what Broomer said before he posted it. I guess great minds think alike. I did use a jig saw to cut the hole, but my hole is not as round as Broomers.
I actually mounted it in the front side of my cabinet. Seems to be working fine.
There were directions in the box? I don't remember seeing any, but then again (being a man) I may not have looked.
Tangman

 

[beth]

Hey, I just read the directions and gave the "how-to" instructions. I sure as heck didn't cut the hole! If I'd cut the hole, I'd be inserting my ceiling fans in the canopy instead of my IC fans!

Post note: To tell you the truth. The instructions were missiing from the IC fans...so I called IC and asked them to fax them! hehehe

 

[beth]

Originally posted by wamp
I think we should ban beth from the DIY section

wamp, show some respect! I could delete you, you know!
Now why I mod DIY is a greater mystery than why the pyramids were build! ] I think Admin just wanted me to keep taps on Mr. Salty.