Cutting rectangle in rafter for Philips Hue lightstrip
Discussion
I want to run a Philips Hue light strip long the top of this beam, so the strip needs to go through the rafters. Does anyone know of a tool that would allow the cutting of an extremely small rectangle at each joint. Obviously access is very tight.
It's a gazebo and I think it shouldn't compromise structural integrity.
It's a gazebo and I think it shouldn't compromise structural integrity.
dickymint said:
Alex Z said:
If it’s immediately on top of the beam, the rafters will be putting weight on it.
Why not put it on the front, with a thin strip of wood covering it so you only get the indirect light going up?
My assumption was this stuff.......Why not put it on the front, with a thin strip of wood covering it so you only get the indirect light going up?
So I don't get the problem
Thanks for the replies.
It is that lightstrip but I have v1 - where you can see the individual LEDs in a clear strip so it is extremely distracting if the strip isn't hidden.
I am a bit nervous about cutting through the rafter - It is resting very solidly on the beam. Even with a long drill bit access is extremely tight so it would be difficult. Not sure my chiselling skills would be up to it.
Maybe I just give it a go on one of them and see whether the whole lot comes crashing down!
It is that lightstrip but I have v1 - where you can see the individual LEDs in a clear strip so it is extremely distracting if the strip isn't hidden.
I am a bit nervous about cutting through the rafter - It is resting very solidly on the beam. Even with a long drill bit access is extremely tight so it would be difficult. Not sure my chiselling skills would be up to it.
Maybe I just give it a go on one of them and see whether the whole lot comes crashing down!
MrCheese said:
I want to run a Philips Hue light strip long the top of this beam, so the strip needs to go through the rafters. Does anyone know of a tool that would allow the cutting of an extremely small rectangle at each joint. Obviously access is very tight.
It's a gazebo and I think it shouldn't compromise structural integrity.
Personally, I wouldn't be cutting some nice oak just for the benefit of some stripper lights unless it was guaranteed to be completely invisible. I'd favour a lighting solution more fitting of an oak gazebo, which would typically be an elegant central lantern. In terms of modern lighting, I'd favour the tiny string lights as the tiny copper wires blend well with oak. It's a gazebo and I think it shouldn't compromise structural integrity.
Many a time, I've had something I bought for one job and thought I could save a few shekels by using it for another job. I have learned to sit back, wait and double, triple check my reasoning. Every time I reach the conclusion that the smarter move is to stick that item on eBay and be done with it and start from scratch for a specific project.
Are stripper lights the obviously correct aesthetic choice of lighting for a classic, oak cram gazebo is the question I'd ponder for some time before hacking into that gazebo.
^ There might not be room for a lantern, the stripper’s pole may be in the way. As for the hole, a multi tool or a drill and chisel would do the job albeit awkwardly though don’t go making massive holes and compromise the integrity of the rafter. One problem you may have is if in addition to the restraint straps that are visible holding down the rafters, there may be additional long fasteners screwed down through the rafter’s top edge, right where your hole needs to be.
wolfracesonic said:
^ There might not be room for a lantern, the stripper’s pole may be in the way. As for the hole, a multi tool or a drill and chisel would do the job albeit awkwardly though don’t go making massive holes and compromise the integrity of the rafter. One problem you may have is if in addition to the restraint straps that are visible holding down the rafters, there may be additional long fasteners screwed down through the rafter’s top edge, right where your hole needs to be.
Yup. I think the OP is aiming to cut a slot after the birds mouth so that the strip can lay on the top of the main beam and be out of sight? I don't think anyone ever wants to see the actual strip lights just what they emit. You certainly wouldn't want to be drilling holes where they can be seen either. DonkeyApple said:
Personally, I wouldn't be cutting some nice oak just for the benefit of some stripper lights unless it was guaranteed to be completely invisible. I'd favour a lighting solution more fitting of an oak gazebo, which would typically be an elegant central lantern. In terms of modern lighting, I'd favour the tiny string lights as the tiny copper wires blend well with oak.
Many a time, I've had something I bought for one job and thought I could save a few shekels by using it for another job. I have learned to sit back, wait and double, triple check my reasoning. Every time I reach the conclusion that the smarter move is to stick that item on eBay and be done with it and start from scratch for a specific project.
Are stripper lights the obviously correct aesthetic choice of lighting for a classic, oak cram gazebo is the question I'd ponder for some time before hacking into that gazebo.
That looks like treated softwood to me ? The growth ring are too far apart to be oak.Many a time, I've had something I bought for one job and thought I could save a few shekels by using it for another job. I have learned to sit back, wait and double, triple check my reasoning. Every time I reach the conclusion that the smarter move is to stick that item on eBay and be done with it and start from scratch for a specific project.
Are stripper lights the obviously correct aesthetic choice of lighting for a classic, oak cram gazebo is the question I'd ponder for some time before hacking into that gazebo.
Chumley.mouse said:
That looks like treated softwood to me ? The growth ring are too far apart to be oak.
I think you're spot on now you've pointed that out. I still wouldn't rush to go hacking into it just for lighting. That said, depending what the roofing is you could probably jack up each rafter to make it simpler to cut the channel.
As an aside, it's a bit of a shame that the builder added those straps rather than something a little more discreet.
Just tunnel under each rafter enough to get the strip under. It will be easier to get the drill at a slight angle each side than it would be to try and take a bit out the rafter. A couple of small holes on each side and a bit of chiselling should do the trick. Bit of a slow job if you are going all the way around but that’s an option?
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