Sanding Down Fiberglass

[62cruiserinc]

I have a couple of Harbor Freight 4 1/2" Grinders. I use the metal cutoff wheel to cut through the tabbing to free the stringers, etc.

What sanding wheel do you use to sand down the existing fiberglass to a fresh layer? I have searched the posts but only find reference to sanding down to a fresh layer, but I didn't find any references to an actual disc.


Is it just a sanding disc with a hard backing? A "flapper" sanding wheel? I think the youtube "FRISCOBOATER" video showed him using a flapper type wheel.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Sanding Down Fiberglass

I am using 36 grit sanding discs, or 40 grit flap wheels (I have both)

I also used a diamond blade for cutting all my fiberglass. the cut-off wheels would wear down to where I couldnt get penetration.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Sanding Down Fiberglass

I use 24 or 36. I have also sandblasted large surfaces because I'm old and standing in my head with a grinder for hours just plain HURTS. If you did sandblast be careful you can blast through the bottom of the hull.

 

[Sangster21]

Re: Sanding Down Fiberglass

I found that the coarser the grit the better when trying to really remove material. I also found that a bigger grinder was way more effective for any large areas. My 5" Makita had a lot more oomph than the 4-1/2 and Dad's old 7" grinder was even better. Bigger disk means more abrasive which will remove more material before it needs to be replaced. Scuffing fresh glass is like butter, but the old original tabbing was pretty tough and I really burned through the sanding disks. I wonder if the pro's outhere use better abrasive than the standard aluminum oxide disks? Zirconium costs more, but it may stay sharp longer too.
Alan

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Sanding Down Fiberglass

62Cruiserinc, Have you ever read the (Click Here)Forum Rules and Guidelines.
Also there are Mulitple posts on the forum disussing this topic with pics of the equipment, descriptons, mfgs etc.
You might want to try using the Advanced search to find what you are looking for.

You might want to review #11