View Full Version : What's the best tools for body cutouts
chmhasy
05-13-2018, 08:43 AM
I am at that stage of starting on the fiberglass body, I am looking for recommendation on tools to cut out the holes on the body.
I was thinking a trim router or a handheld Reciprocating saw, or does some one have a better way of doing it.
Thanks
GoDadGo
05-13-2018, 09:23 AM
An adjustable speed Rotozip Style Tool works the best, but you need to have a firm grip & two good hands is a plus.
An adjustable speed Jig Style Saw is also very helpful along with a 90 degree cut off wheel or pneumatic body shop saw is good too.
(Use A Fine Tooth Blade For Metal)
You will also need hole saws in various sizes as well.
Take Your Time & Go Slow & You'll Be Fine!
j.miller
05-13-2018, 09:57 AM
If I had to pick just one....I would go Roto Zip with the tile bit. But I don't use it myself. I use a cutoff wheel, carbide burr, air hack-saw, hole cut bits, Dremel, stick with sand paper, 6in grinder, 9in grinder, Orbital sander......I think that's about it....da bat
chmhasy
05-13-2018, 10:24 AM
Thanks, I already have the Dremel, stick with sandpaper, 6" grinder, orbital sander,
I think I will get the RotoZip and air reciprocating hack saw, and I should be ready for the task!
Don't forget the mini-belt sander! I used mine yesterday to open up the side pipe cutouts and it worked very well. I marked the "new" opening with tape and used the sander to work my way out to the mark. Very controlled and manageable. Of course, this wouldn't be the tool to use to make the original holes.
chmhasy
05-13-2018, 10:39 AM
Don't forget the mini-belt sander! I used mine yesterday to open up the side pipe cutouts and it worked very well. I marked the "new" opening with tape and used the sander to work my way out to the mark. Very controlled and manageable. Of course, this wouldn't be the tool to use to make the original holes.
Oh man, That's just tool cool, I may have to add that to the tool list!
Jeff Kleiner
05-13-2018, 10:57 AM
I may have to add that to the tool list!
At which point you'll be up to about three times what it would have cost to have had FFR cut them :)
My tools of choice for final massaging after the initial cuts are 3/4" and 1 1/2" drum sanders on a pneumatic die grinder.
Jeff
chmhasy
05-13-2018, 11:02 AM
At which point you'll be up to about three times what it would have cost to have had FFR cut them :)
My tools of choice for final massaging after the initial cuts are 3/4" and 1 1/2" drum sanders on a pneumatic die grinder.
Jeff
Jeff, I do agree with you. However, I did the no cutouts for my OCD issues of having the holes in the correct location
Bob Cowan
05-13-2018, 11:59 AM
For straight lines, I like to use a cut off wheel.
For curves, a Roto-Zip works the best. I'm kinda cheap, and reluctant to buy an expensive tool for one job. I bought a small package of bits and chucked them in to a drill motor. That was many years ago, and I think I still have the rest of the bits, unused, in my tool box.
UnhipPopano
05-13-2018, 12:43 PM
My recommendation for a tool when working in fiberglass is a jumpsuit that will keep the glass splinters off your body, as well as a comfortable well fitting dust mask.
My recommendation for a tool when working in fiberglass is a jumpsuit that will keep the glass splinters off your body, as well as a comfortable well fitting dust mask.
Don't forget the eye protection!
chmhasy
05-13-2018, 01:51 PM
Don't forget the eye protection!
PPE is always on the list
GoDadGo
05-14-2018, 02:20 AM
After it is all said and done and you find yourself itching do the following:
Shower and wash the itching areas (Not Eyes / Skin Only) down with vinegar.
It's an old trick that helped ditch the itch when we once build fiberglass fishing skiffs.
Sorry about the rhyme, but it's late and I'm up again.