Fiberglass cutting

[Ari]

What is the best tool for cutting fiberglass?

This will be a boat wall 5mm tick.

Should I use Jig Saws, Reciprocating Saws or other?

Did you try Drywall Cutout Tools? Crazy?

Best

Ari

[imported_CWSmith]

Ari,

I'm not sure how wide you need to cut it, but I've used both my circular saw and my bandsaw on fiberglass wall panels that were about the size. Because of the thinness of the material, the band saw did the best job in my opinion. I think using a recip or saber (jig) saw would cause it to jump up an done a lot unless you can stabilise the material. I've also fitted corner edges with just a razor cutter. The bandsaw cut the thinnest kerf and was the most efficient with most of the dust being captured to the shop vac hook-up. Whatever you do, make sure you are using good eye and breathing protection

Good luck,

CWS

[bob bridgewater]

I'm not to good at this stuff but i'ts just a thought. Maby try a then metal or mason cutting blade on a small hand held grinder might work.When working with them though you must always protect your eyes. shater a blade it will cut right through your eye lid! they don't forgive!!!

Be safe out there folks.
Bob.

[ 02-08-2005, 12:58 AM: Message edited by: bob bridgewater ]

[BadgerDave]

I think I might try a jigsaw with one of the Bosch T101 or T301 Series blades. Depending on the type of cut you want to make, straight or curved, and the thickness of the fiberglass, Bosch has quite a few options for you to choose from.

Ari, it's been quite awhile, nice to see you back here posting again. :cool:

[bob bridgewater]

I think badgerdave might be right with a saber saw cutting curved fiberglass he is very knowledgeable with the advice he has!

Be safe out there folks

[Ari]

Thanks Guys!!

CWS - I need to open some 6"x6" inspections windows on my sun's boat.

BOB - I could try cutting disks on my grinder. Even on a small Dremel. Will try it and let you all know! Yes Bob, Dave has helped me a lot!

Dave - I'll look for the Bosch T101 or T301 Series blades here. I'm back here. I like very much this place. I entered through the forum link not through rigid.com. I still have problens there.

I keep imagining if a drywall cutout tool would work. The problem is I don't have one to test.
http://www.makita.com/res_tools/images/drills_and_fastening/3706_m.jpg

Thanks everybody! I will post the results...

Greetings

Ari

[ 02-08-2005, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: Ari ]

[papadan]

Ari, Your cut out tool will work great. Wrap a rag around the air vents to keep the fiberglass out of the motor and blow it out when done. Second choice would be the jig saw.

[dp]

Jigsaw will work with a good blade. The problem with fiberglass panels is they jump like crazy because they're so flexible.

Since your openings are so small (6x6), I wouldn't underestimate the usefulness of a sharp utility knife ... You'll get nice clean cuts with no airborne debris.

dp

[daveferg]

I'd echo Papadan's suggestion---maybe an old pair of pantyhose----the dust is bad.

[Ari]

Thanks guys!

Now I have a big good picture of the problem. And the solutions. I'll try some options and post here the results. The problem will be negotiating with my wife about the pair of pantyhose :D

Very kind of you guys!

Ari

[papadan]

Ari, you're doubly apreciative. LOL

[BadgerDave]

Ari, when you want to make a change to a post, just click on the "pencil and paper" icon at the top of your post instead of using the "back" button. By doing it that way, the change(s) will be made to your original post and you won't end up with both your original and a revised post. HTH.

[Ari]

Hey Dave!

I normally edit my posts. I made a mistake this time. Getting old, I think... ;)

Best

Ari

[papadan]

Not a problem Ari :D

[papadan]

Not a problem Ari. :D

[Ari]

http://www.cunha.pro.br/ari/madeira/lol.gif