Cutting & drilling fibreglass

[mattf]

I should be getting the bodywork for my Fury in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if anybody has any tips for cutting & drilling fibreglass?

Matt

[adithorp]

Cut down from the gel-coat side. Putting masking tape on the surface is often said to reduce chipping. I found no difference. For small holes I used brad-point drills like this... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_bit# ... drill_bits
They don't wander when starting and don't chip as much. I found high-ish speed and little pressure best. For large holes use hole saws. Let the saw do the work and dont force it. If you don't have a hole saw the correct size or finish is important scrib the correct size with calipers (sharp points needed), use a smaller hole saw and then enlarge to the scribed size with a dremel. The little sanding drums are best for that. The same technique can be used for irregular shape holes Scribe, cut within the lines, then enlarge. Cut streight lines with a pad-saw or jig-saw but beware of chipping. I had a minature circular saw for my dremel that worked well.

Always use goggles and a mask. The dust is nasty.

Remember measure twice and cut once!

[mattf]

Thanks for the tips.

[DH2]

It is worth running the drill backwards to prevent chipping to the gelcoat - certainly until you cut through the gelcoat, but all the way if you have the patience!

DH2

[matt_gsxr]

I do the backwards drilling thing too it also avoids the bit grabbing when it first gets through.

Black and decker power file is a good tool for fibreglass. About £40 but you will find lots of uses for it.

[mattf]

Thanks. I like the idea of a power file, a man can never have enough power tools!