cutting gelcoat

markg · 24 April 2010, 20:30

i need to make a biggish hole in the console for a hatch, what should i cut it with so that the gelcoat does not crack or chip around the edges? cheers, mark.

Mollers · 24 April 2010, 20:33

The flange of the hatch will hide
the cut edge surely?

Ian M · 24 April 2010, 20:50

I use carbide coated jigsaw blades; Piranha by Black and Decker, packaging has a number X26061-XJ. Meant for cutting ceramics and fibreglass. Never had any problems with the gelcoat chipping or cracking

Mollers · 24 April 2010, 20:54

We tend to cut the corners with a hole saw and join them by cutting the straight lines with a fine cutting blade in a grinderette. It's neat.

Nos4r2 · 25 April 2010, 06:45

Put insulation tape over where you've got to cut.Mark the tape up after taping and cut using Moller's method.

You're guaranteed it won't chip.

Rogue Wave · 25 April 2010, 06:50

1 use an angle grinder with a thin cutting disc, you do have to be confident though!

Poly · 25 April 2010, 08:00

Oooooh! a ribnet - how to cut a whole thread... ...and its raining outside, I can see this running to several pages

willk · 25 April 2010, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Oooooh! a ribnet - how to cut a whole thread...

Hardly a first for you, Mr Snippy

Poly · 25 April 2010, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Hardly a first for you, Mr Snippy

Mollers · 25 April 2010, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Hardly a first for you, Mr Snippy

Teasy Weasy

willk · 25 April 2010, 10:03

oops

Searider · 25 April 2010, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian M

I use carbide coated jigsaw blades; Piranha by Black and Decker, packaging has a number X26061-XJ. Meant for cutting ceramics and fibreglass. Never had any problems with the gelcoat chipping or cracking

What he said. If you already own a jigsaw.

Would also suggest cutting the corners with a hole saw.