best tool for the job?

[beermonsta]

I'm about to take off the fibreglass from the top of the stringers on my boat so i can replace them. I was going to use an electric planer to do this as I thought this'd be the best tool to use, nice and quick and easy.<br /><br />What tools have other people used?

 

[petrolhead]

Re: best tool for the job?

The glass in the GRP will blunt your planer blades in seconds. Take it from me, I've wrecked enough tools trying to cut the stuff myself!<br />The best tool to use is an angle grinder, preferably with a diamond cutting disc (not as expensive as it sounds, check out Screwfix for a cheap one).

 

[beermonsta]

Re: best tool for the job?

Thanks petrol head Will save me wrecking my planer. Still have to finish the doors in my house.I Actually bought a angle grinder (£6.99 bargain!!!)with diamond disk. The disk I bought was this one:<br /><br /> http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?ts=02642&id=28476 <br /><br />It was more expensive than the grinder. Will this do the job do you think?

 

[jheron]

Re: best tool for the job?

Just a standard metal cut off disk worked great for me and I still have the orig on ... it cuts the glass like butter. <br />Jon

 

[petrolhead]

Re: best tool for the job?

Yes that diamond disc will work OK. I use THIS one which is more of a cutting disc, yours being a grinding disc, but yours is probably a better tool for what you are doing.<br />A standard metal cutoff disc works too, but I find it clogs easier and has a tendency to melt its way through the glass rather than cut.<br />Just be sure to wear a decent quality mask when doing this job, goggles too, and preferably a boiler suit! It's very messy, the dust (and there'll be lots of it) is very fine and hazardous if inhaled. The fibres get everywhere, in places you didn't even realise you had places, and they itch like hell, hence the boiler suit. I use those disposable Tyvek suits.

 

[flashback]

Re: best tool for the job?

A belt sander with some extra course grit would work OK also.. Maybe a little slower than the grinder tho........

 

[outonbizniz2]

Re: best tool for the job?

also, home depot sells a "SuperDisk" grinding/cutting disk. THis is what I used. It was fairly cheap. $12 for a 4" disk. AND, if you destroy it within 6 months of purchase they'll replace it. I used mine for 4 months before it wore out and they replaced it free of charge at the store (keep your receipt).

 

[Terry H]

Re: best tool for the job?

The diamond disc as petrolhead shows is the one to use...just a thought

 

[beermonsta]

Re: best tool for the job?

Thanks all, will attack my stringers this weekend. Armed with the right tools for the job!!!

 

[beermonsta]

Re: best tool for the job?

bargain!!! went into a £1 shop a couple of weeks ago and picked up a diamond cutting disk for ,funnily enough £1. I have used this to cut the fibreglass off the top and sides of the stringers and thank god they don't need replacing. I've treated then with antifreeze as they were a bit moist ,but still solid. Will epoxy some pt wood to the outsides of the existing stringers for extra support and will be glassing them in once this is done. Thanks all for your help will post some pictures soon.