tools to cut the holes in body

[RF RIDER]

All;
What tools are you using to cut the rear exhaust holes, side scoop holes, vents etc. in the body?
there is a lot of discussions on fibreglass prep work for paint, but nothing on actually trimming and
cutting the body.
I figure cut short of the line and file, sand to it. But just wanted to hear what others are doing
thanks for your time

David

[VD2021]

A body saw (or air saw) is the tool you're looking for. I have a pneumatic and an electric one I purchased prior to buying an air compressor.

You can be very accurate with this tool, though straight lines are a little tougher.

[edwardb]

I used mainly sanding drums in an electric hand drill. Also used a Dremel with the small sanding drum for the smaller areas. Then files, sanding blocks, etc. if necessary. There are only a handful of relatively small cutouts, and you'll be surprised how easily the glass can be cut and trimmed if you haven't done it before.

[RumRunner]

David,

I've found Harbor Freight tools to be hit or miss. Their electric body saw has been outstanding. Cutting through the FG, plastic dash pods, thin aluminum, etc. Well worth the money:

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-body-saw-65766.html

-Michael

[riptide motorsport]

Jig saw will do it, cut off wheel also, die grinders for clean up.

[RonSchofield]

I have done all my cutting with a Dremel tool with a cutting bit.

http://mdm.boschwebservices.com/files/r19775v15.jpg

It goes very smooth with no vibration. You also don't need to drill a pilot hole.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

David,

I've found Harbor Freight tools to be hit or miss. Their electric body saw has been outstanding. Cutting through the FG, plastic dash pods, thin aluminum, etc. Well worth the money:

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-body-saw-65766.html

-Michael

I have no experience with the electric body saw from HF, but I know the air body saw is crap....don't waste your money. But, yes....this is the type of tool you will need many, many times to build one of these cars. Also works great on metal and is small enough to get into some tight areas and the blade is thin enough to make some pretty tight turns. And yes.....a dremel is also practically a requirement.......don't know what I'd do without one.

[crash]

If you can find them, get the carbide cutting blades for the air saw. I probably have more experience with cutting into a FFR GTM than anyone else, and I can tell you that if you don't have the carbide blade, you will be replacing the "metal cutting" blades about every three feet of cut!

[mendo]

I probably have more experience with cutting into a FFR GTM than anyone else,



yes, I believe you are correct there.

[Edgeman]

I am with RonSchofield that bit has been a life saver also with the Dremel a sanding drum.

[RumRunner]

I have no experience with the electric body saw from HF, but I know the air body saw is crap....don't waste your money. But, yes....this is the type of tool you will need many, many times to build one of these cars. Also works great on metal and is small enough to get into some tight areas and the blade is thin enough to make some pretty tight turns. And yes.....a dremel is also practically a requirement.......don't know what I'd do without one.

Shane - I first purchased the HF air body saw .... crap indeed. Didn't even last 5 minutes. Serious crap. And then I gave the electric version a chance. It's been so good to me that Ron (Presto51) and I almost look for tasks to do with it. I bought mine about 1.5 years ago for 19.99. Best money I ever spent!

-Michael

[docglock]

I have had very good luck with the HF die grinder and right hand drill. Granted they seem to be built like tanks and have a certain heft. I won't be ready to cut holes in the body for a while yet, but this is a great discussion.

[VD2021]

Shane - I first purchased the HF air body saw .... crap indeed. Didn't even last 5 minutes. Serious crap. And then I gave the electric version a chance. It's been so good to me that Ron (Presto51) and I almost look for tasks to do with it. I bought mine about 1.5 years ago for 19.99. Best money I ever spent!

-Michael

My electric is also the HF. I've had it for about the same time as Michael and it work great (especially for $19).

[mikespms]

If you can find them, get the carbide cutting blades for the air saw. I probably have more experience with cutting into a FFR GTM than anyone else, and I can tell you that if you don't have the carbide blade, you will be replacing the "metal cutting" blades about every three feet of cut!

I have used air saws for many years ,and finding good blades is hard and they are expensive. One of my employees turn me on to hacksaw blades,I make them using a good hacksaw blade,cut the blade to the lenth you want and shape them on a grinding stone. you will be surpriced how good they cut fiberglass and how long they last and cheap