Fibreglass trimming help required please !

[jason 82]

Please can somebody give me a little advice, I am trying to trim some fibreglass panels, but before I start, is there an easy way to get a nice clean cut, without chipping the gel coat off ? Some panels will be covered with edging trim, but the rest wont. I can't afford to screw this up !

[K4KEV]

Err no and no..... I used a thin metal slitting disc in a angry grinder for most cuts and a dremmel with a side cutting bit for circles and awkward bits, what ever method you use will create a mountain of dust so a face mask is essential and a filter mask better still....I would not go the jigsaw route as it will defo chip the fglass.....take your time and good luck Jase

[Davidbolam]

I've been using a junior hacksaw and its worked a treat. Dremel as well. Its the only thing I have found a junior hacksaw to be any use for!

David

[jps]

layer masking tape over the gel coat side, this stops chipping apparently, it worked when I drilled holes in my grp seats...

[SeriesLandy]

Angry grinder and 1mm (decent) cutting disc for lines, use a steel rule or thin straight edge to use as a guide for perfectly straight lines.
On my first attempts I used a dremel and an engraving bit for curves but it took for ever and I lost it.
The second time I trimmed the fibreglass I used my jigsaw, with the plastic base cover and a metal blade. My saw also has a function to make you cut quicker and I turned that off.
No chips with either method.
My only balls up was I measured incorrectly and cut 6mm too much off.
The 1 thing that will chip is sharp drill bits.

[jason 82]

Massive thanks ! Cheers chaps.

[williams2]

These are great for controlled cutting, the Fein is expensive but you can buy cheap versions now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nynD2SfyINU

[baz-r]

tile blades in a jigsaw are brilliant. or a fine tooth hacksaw for manual cuts