After a couple decades of marine repair, I own and have used most of the tools mentioned so far. The one I do NOT like is the Rotozip.
Having said that, my choices for a straight cut would be a vibrating saw or a jigsaw. Slight tilt toward the vibrating saw. My choice of jigsaw is the Bosch 1587VS (1587AVS is the offshore manufactured version currently offered). IMHO, it is superior to the other brands. For rounded corners, drill with appropriate size then connect with one of the above. For simply enlarging an existing hole, a rasp style tool works well. Patience is critical. Finally, a Dremel with a carbide bit works well for small adjustments. Dennis C. On Sat, Apr 8, 2017 at 10:58 PM, Rick Brass via CnC-List < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > As background, I installed an opening port on Imzadi to replace a fixed > aluminum framed portlight, and it didn’t go to my expectations. I had to > expand the existing opening by a small margin, and decided that I could use > my handy dandy Dremel tool to cut the fiberglass laminate. But the cut I > got was far from smooth and straight. So I decided I’d put off installing > the other three ports until I figured out a better way of doing it. > > > > I have three current projects that will require me to cut laminate: > additional opening ports, removing the inner skin on the cockpit locker > covers so I can replace rotted core, and making a propane locker. So my > question is: What would be the best tool for getting smooth straight cuts > in fiberglass laminate? > > > > A friend in the boat repair business will loan me his Rotozip, but I’m not > confident that I would get better cuts that I did on the window opening > (operator error, I freely admit). > > > > Dremel (among others) makes a mini circular saw that looks almost ideal > for making shallow, straight cuts. But corners might be a problem. > > > > A vibrating multi-tool (I still think of it as a Fein tool) seems like a > real possibility, plus having a lot of uses on other projects. But I’m not > sure how well it will cut fiberglass. > > > > You guys are the experts. What tool should I buy (or borrow)? > > > > Rick Brass > > *Imzadi *C&C 38 mk 2 > > *la Belle Aurore *C&C 25 mk1 > > Washington, NC > > > > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you > wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: > https://www.paypal.me/stumurray > > All Contributions are greatly appreciated! > >
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