: Before tool is put to wood I need some info on how to make the "finger
: slot" for removing magnetic hatches. After looking at posts and
: builder's logs, I am still unclear. Thanks in advance.

The finger slot will also act as a water drain to remove water from the hatch/deck seam.

With the hatch openings cut, but before the hatch lip is installed, find the lowest point
of the hatch opening at each side of the deck. Mark this point on both sides making sure
they are in the same location on each side. Next measure 1-1/2" on each side of this point.
I make the finger slot 3" wide. This allows you to get three fingers under the hatch cover
for greater lifting power. With the rare earth magnets you'll need it.

To cut the recess use a course file or fine pattern maker's rasp with a half round side and a flat side.
Hold the file level to the floor and cut until you have a knife edge on the inside edge of the deck
opening. The half round side of the file will make a nice transition at the ends of the slot. Sand the
slot with 120 paper and 220 paper and wet out with resin. There is not need to cover the surface
with glass. The surface will not see that much abuse. If you tried to cover the slot with glass you'd
probably have more trouble than it's worth, trying to get the glass to lay flat and end up with trapped air.

All the best,
Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.laughingloon.com