What is best/easiest way... jigsaw or rotary saw or something else. Need to cut access to replace mast step on Widgeon. Figure to install an access cover. Thanks, Michael
Cutting hole in fiberglass...
- Thread starter Michael15867
- Start date
- Status
What is best/easiest way... jigsaw or rotary saw or something else. Need to cut access to replace mast step on Widgeon. Figure to install an access cover. Thanks, Michael
What is best/easiest way... jigsaw or rotary saw or something else. Need to cut access to replace mast step on Widgeon. Figure to install an access cover. Thanks, Michael
What is best/easiest way... jigsaw or rotary saw or something else. Need to cut access to replace mast step on Widgeon. Figure to install an access cover. Thanks, Michael
Cutting an access in fiberglass
Mike, The best an easiest way to cut an access hole in fiberglass is by using a variable speed electric drill with a large hole cutting saw blade at low speed. You may be able to rent the hole saw blade for your electric drill. The large 6" and 8" blades are very expensive to buy. You may know someone in the carpentry or plumbing trade, whom you could borrow one from. If you don't have a variable speed drill, you should use the blade with the drill in reverse so that it doesn't rip up the fiberglass. Wear a respirator and do this job outside because it creates a lot of dust. When I cut an 8" hole on the inside of my transom for a Beckson deck plate, I used the deck plate as a pattern and traced the hole out with a pencil. Then I cut a series of holes around the inside of the traced line with a 2" hole saw in my electric drill. I was able to use a small hand hole saw to remove most of the remaining fiberglass from the hole. I finished it off with a rasp bit and a drum sanding attachment in my electric drill. If you have enough room you could probably use a saber saw to cut out this hole. The flange on your deck plate will hide any imperfections in your cut. I had an electric wire behind the inside transom that I had to avoid cutting by mistake. It's a messy job so wear coveralls and try not to breath that dust. It very carcinogenic. Good luck! Joe
Mike, The best an easiest way to cut an access hole in fiberglass is by using a variable speed electric drill with a large hole cutting saw blade at low speed. You may be able to rent the hole saw blade for your electric drill. The large 6" and 8" blades are very expensive to buy. You may know someone in the carpentry or plumbing trade, whom you could borrow one from. If you don't have a variable speed drill, you should use the blade with the drill in reverse so that it doesn't rip up the fiberglass. Wear a respirator and do this job outside because it creates a lot of dust. When I cut an 8" hole on the inside of my transom for a Beckson deck plate, I used the deck plate as a pattern and traced the hole out with a pencil. Then I cut a series of holes around the inside of the traced line with a 2" hole saw in my electric drill. I was able to use a small hand hole saw to remove most of the remaining fiberglass from the hole. I finished it off with a rasp bit and a drum sanding attachment in my electric drill. If you have enough room you could probably use a saber saw to cut out this hole. The flange on your deck plate will hide any imperfections in your cut. I had an electric wire behind the inside transom that I had to avoid cutting by mistake. It's a messy job so wear coveralls and try not to breath that dust. It very carcinogenic. Good luck! Joe
cutting 'glass
either rotary or jig will work best and with proper metal cutting blades, expect to use more than one blade to finish cut, turn your shop vac on and hold hose near cutter to cut down on dust and use a mask and breathing filter and long sleave shirt/hat.
either rotary or jig will work best and with proper metal cutting blades, expect to use more than one blade to finish cut, turn your shop vac on and hold hose near cutter to cut down on dust and use a mask and breathing filter and long sleave shirt/hat.
Michael, the cleanest cut would be a hole saw.
I have installed compasses with a hole saw and a brace. I drilled it manually with the wood brace so as not to cover the new boat with fiberglass. With any electric tool the cooling air from the drill/ saw will fill the air with fiberglass. A jig saw and a fine wood blade would work if you are careful, again, the cooling air from the saw with fill the air with fiberglass. good luck with your project. r.w.landau
I have installed compasses with a hole saw and a brace. I drilled it manually with the wood brace so as not to cover the new boat with fiberglass. With any electric tool the cooling air from the drill/ saw will fill the air with fiberglass. A jig saw and a fine wood blade would work if you are careful, again, the cooling air from the saw with fill the air with fiberglass. good luck with your project. r.w.landau
- Status