Rick - two tools. Small angle grinder with zip disc (for fast and blast) and for precise surgery absolutely, the fein multi tool with a really good circular bimetal blade. Angle grinder with rubber pad and abrasive disks for surface prep, shaping edges.
Those two tools, plus the judicious use of a hole saw (to radius corners) are all you really need. The fein multi tool was conceived by the gods for this kind of work, and using it is a life changing experience. .;-) For glass work itself a few thoughts here: http://cncwindstar.blogspot.ca/p/making-fibreglass-parts.html Dave From: Rick Brass <rickbr...@earthlink.net> To: <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Bcc: Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2017 23:58:25 -0400 Subject: Stus-List Advise on cutting fiberglass As background, I installed an opening port on Imzadi to replace a fixed aluminum framed portlight, and it didn’t go to my expectations. I had to expand the existing opening by a small margin, and decided that I could use my handy dandy Dremel tool to cut the fiberglass laminate. But the cut I got was far from smooth and straight. So I decided I’d put off installing the other three ports until I figured out a better way of doing it. I have three current projects that will require me to cut laminate: additional opening ports, removing the inner skin on the cockpit locker covers so I can replace rotted core, and making a propane locker. So my question is: What would be the best tool for getting smooth straight cuts in fiberglass laminate? A friend in the boat repair business will loan me his Rotozip, but I’m not confident that I would get better cuts that I did on the window opening (operator error, I freely admit). Dremel (among others) makes a mini circular saw that looks almost ideal for making shallow, straight cuts. But corners might be a problem. A vibrating multi-tool (I still think of it as a Fein tool) seems like a real possibility, plus having a lot of uses on other projects. But I’m not sure how well it will cut fiberglass. You guys are the experts. What tool should I buy (or borrow)? Rick Brass *Imzadi *C&C 38 mk 2 *la Belle Aurore *C&C 25 mk1 Washington, NC
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