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Old 09-03-2015, 08:17 AM   #1
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Cutting Fiberglass?

What is the best type of saw/tool for cutting fiberglass?
Today, I will begin the process of adding an air conditioner to the right front bench cubby of my 86 Uhaul CT
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Old 09-03-2015, 08:37 AM   #2
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Many people have use a multi tool, with success. This is what I use.
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Old 09-03-2015, 08:37 AM   #3
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Tool for cutting fiberglass!

Mike;
I've used an electric jig saw with fine blades (24TPI or 32TPI) but I always use masking tape over the lines to be cut.
Tape your lines and remark them on top of the tape. Always cut from the 'good' side and keep the blade frame tight to the surface and work slowly to minimize splintering.
The tape minimizes marks and splintering. Run a coarse file to clean the cuts after removing the tape and vacuum up the powders and splinters.
Good luck.
Mike .....>
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Old 09-03-2015, 09:11 AM   #4
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The above advice of a jigsaw with metal cutting blades (32TPI) is good, works like a charm for me. In the places my jigsaw won't go I use a cutting wheel on my dremel.
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Old 09-03-2015, 09:56 AM   #5
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I have a Fein Tool oscillating cutter and a Roto-Zip circular cutting tool. While both are very good at cutting fiberglass, I would opt for the Roto-Zip if you have to make curved cuts with a radius edge, to get a more precise and smooth curved edge. For straight cuts, the oscillating blade cutters are great.

Also, wherever possible, you're better off to make rounded (radius) cuts to relieve stress on the fiberglass. Sharp corners invite stress cracking, especially where the fiberglass will be carrying a load, (such as an A/C unit.)
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Old 09-03-2015, 10:32 AM   #6
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I cut a hole for a propane detector. I used a dremel with a roto-zip attachment. I got the cleanest, smoothest cut you could hope for. No chipping of the gelcoat, just a very smooth cut. It was the easiest cutting tool to control also. I've used lots of cutting tools to cut lots of materials, nothing has come close to the dremel roto-zip.
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Old 09-03-2015, 10:34 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keaner View Post
The above advice of a jigsaw with metal cutting blades (32TPI) is good, works like a charm for me. In the places my jigsaw won't go I use a cutting wheel on my dremel.
I have used masking tape and a jigsaw with success on a number of fiberglass cutouts as well. Simple use a drill to drill out any corners to be cutout first.
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Old 09-03-2015, 10:46 AM   #8
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I use a thin abrasive cutting wheel in a die grinder for most small jobs. I use a shop vac to suck up the dust as I go. For big jobs I use a diamond tile cutting wheel in my 4-1/2" hand grinder. Need round corners use a hole saw in the corners. The more tools you have then the more you can turn a simple project to a full blown exercise of tool invasion.
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Old 09-03-2015, 12:49 PM   #9
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The nicest tool to use is a jigsaw with a RIFF blade in it.

This may be sold as a tile cutting blade and has a grit-coated cutting edge.

Regular fine jigsaw blades won't last long cutting fiberglass but are great for the occasional small cut.
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Old 09-03-2015, 01:37 PM   #10
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I like the Roto-Zip option.
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Old 09-03-2015, 05:23 PM   #11
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multimax by Dremel Multi-Maxâ„¢

Works great for me. I use the wood/metal blade and they last a really long time.
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Old 09-03-2015, 05:31 PM   #12
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This is the dremel attachment I was talking about. Smooth cutting and no chipped gelcoat.
LINK
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Old 09-03-2015, 07:38 PM   #13
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I used the dremel as you did Byron with the cutting tool. And a shop vac. Worked well for cutting new door for below main closet in my 13er.


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Old 09-04-2015, 05:03 AM   #14
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I use a carbide jigsaw blade. No teeth, just a coarse coating of carbide grit. It sort of like filing the fiberglass. No ragged edges or tearing.

Carbide Grit Jig Saw Blades, ToolCenter.com

My second favorite (described earlier)is a thin cut-off disk on a rotary grinder.
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Old 09-04-2015, 03:51 PM   #15
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The thing I haven't tired yet, but would like to, is a grit-edged cutting blade in a multi-tool - it might be good for delicate jobs, though not so good to getting into tight spaces.

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Old 09-04-2015, 08:39 PM   #16
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A variable speed dremel with the 1" round diamond blade worked pretty good for me. It did make fine dust but I wore a mask which should be standard operating procedure when cutting Fiberglas any way


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Old 09-04-2015, 10:19 PM   #17
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I use a laminate edge cutter which is basically just a small hand held router. Works great with no chipping, real good neat cuts.
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Old 09-07-2015, 11:35 AM   #18
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Do not forget the safety glasses , mask , gloves , and long sleeve shirt - it is nasty dust .
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Old 09-07-2015, 05:16 PM   #19
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Fiberglass Dust!

Just a reminder that fiberglass dust can do a real job of damaging your lungs!

I always try to use a face mask, and a strong fan to blow the dust away from me in a outdoor setting!

I have used a jig saw with metal cutting blades with good results.

Bill
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Old 09-09-2015, 03:11 PM   #20
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A me-too from the former environmental chemist: fiberglass dust is bad stuff. Think silicosis and questionable resin chemistry biology all in one package.

The good news is that it's quite inert, so as long as you wear your PPE and vacuum it up you will be fine.
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