Cutting fiberglass best practices

[trip33]

So I picked up one of the Nautique logo vents from Tallredrider's buddy intending to vent my port compartment to "let the boom out". I have never cut fiberglass, so looking for everyone's tools of choice and methods to avoid any "oh sh*t" moments.

Thanks!

[t.franscioni]

I used a Dremel tool with a little black cut off wheel. Any grinding type method works best IMO, sawing methods might work too but you'll want to go with a hack saw type blade (fine tooth) if you try that method. What ever you do where a respirator.

[t.franscioni]

Also would help if everyone knows what kind of hole your cutting? Circle, square... Are you cutting into gel coated fiberglass or just raw fiberglass? Depending on all that a hole saw might be best if cutting a perfect circle and tape may new to go down over the area before making the cut if your cutting through gel coat.

[trip33]

Yes it is a rectangular vent and it will be installed just under the observer seat in the gel coated fiberglass.

[Bevostein]

Let me know how it goes. I bought two of those vents as well but haven't got around to cutting.

[t.franscioni]

That looks pretty cool. If it were my project I think I'd tape off the area with good painters tape. Hold the plate where you want it and trace the inside of the perimeter of the nautique plate onto the tape. This looks like it will be your cut line. Then I'd use a dremel with a cutoff wheel and cut just shy of your cut line that way you can use a dremel sanding drum and sand your way to the cut line and get it perfect, if that males sense.

[Bevostein]

I have been worried about the cut given how close the screw holes are to the inside perimeter. Not much room for error but that is a good idea on cut short and sand your way in. Hadn't thought of that

[swatguy]

Oh daum !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need one of those...........that is sick!!!!!!

[Cpan13]

Where can we get those vents???

[trip33]

Search for a post called "Time to let the Boom out". There is a link to the guys ebay page in it. I think it is about 6-7 pages in to the search results.

[swatguy]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/NAUTIQUE-SUB-W...%257Ciid%253A1


few different color options too. Niiiice. Just ordered it up. Thanks for the post.


Dremel and some masking tape over the area you plan to cut out to prevent chips

[ski4evr]

When I have I cut into the gel, I plan three times with masking tape, make as small of a drill hole I can to get a handle mounted hack saw blade in and cut by hand. it is a lot more work, but you only do it once. there is much less opportunity for oh crap moments when it is one stroke at a time. bonus, allows for more beverage time as you will work up more of a sweat. Besides, I am a chicken when bringing power tools near gel coat.