What kind of saw do I need...

[Steve.Lynette]

...to cut a hole in my fiberglass dash. I'm flush-mounting a chartplotter. I know I need to drill starter holes, but not sure what to use to saw the glass.

Thanks!

 

[Quint4]

I have had good luck with a Dremel tool and cutting wheel if the fiberglass is not too thick in that area. Mask the cut lines to reduce chipping.

 

[tdappleman]

I used a variable speed jig saw set at low to medium speed. The blade was a fine tooth thin blade which said for curved cuts in plastics and wood and worked great. As Quint says - mask the cut lines. I used blue painters tape and rub it down well to promote adhesion and then traced my cutline on the tape. Drill the corners and cut....make sure you have enough depth and clearance under your cut area for the drill bit, the saw and of course the device.

 

[Steve.Lynette]

Great advice. Thanks!!

 

[electricaldoctor]

I've used a 'Multi-Tool' for these plunge cuts without any chipping. And of course, do your pre-planning layout with blue painters tape. Check all of your measurements once, check twice and once more would not hurt ... you only get one shot at this my friend. Take and use what you want from all of the good advice here and you will do just fine. :thumbsup:

~Ken

 

[compensation]

Around the boat I always use a "sea saw". -- sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Steve.Lynette]

Around the boat I always use a "sea saw". -- sorry, couldn't resist.

Alrighty then.

 

[impactg]

A rotozip would be my first choice and, like others have mentioned, always tape off the area to prevent chipping. Also, when drilling, run your drill in reverse first to break the surface before boring in. Works like a charm to prevent cracking.

 

[keokie]

Nobody is going to suggest a chainsaw?

 

[Dasch Boat]

Steve, counter sinking the holes is great advise also make sure you use a drill or hole saw at ALL of the corners, cracks start at the corners if they are not rounded. Another tip, if you can access the back side of the cut, tape some poly up to catch the dust or have a friend hold a shop vac hose back there.

 

[roostrs]

I've used a 'Multi-Tool' for these plunge cuts without any chipping. And of course, do your pre-planning layout with blue painters tape. Check all of your measurements once, check twice and once more would not hurt ... you only get one shot at this my friend. Take and use what you want from all of the good advice here and you will do just fine. :thumbsup:

~Ken

What blade do you use?

 

[keokie]

Use a blade with very fine teeth. I would recommend a brand new one, and go slow to reduce the chance of burning. You can also put masking tape over the area the blade and saw will travel to get a cleaner cut and protect the surrounding area from being marred by the saw.

 

[Alegria]

I actually have a Roto Zip that I was thinking about using. Question for the roto zip users out there. Does the blue tape gum up the cutting??? Since its a spiral blade just was wondering if the tape clogs the blade.

Thanks!!

 

[impactg]

I actually have a Roto Zip that I was thinking about using. Question for the roto zip users out there. Does the blue tape gum up the cutting??? Since its a spiral blade just was wondering if the tape clogs the blade.

Thanks!!

I never found it to be an issue at all. The adhesive isn't like on your typical masking tape and doesn't tend to collect on the bit.