Help cutting fiber glass?

[07classic]

I just got a free fiber glass tonneau cover, and i need to cut in into one big square. (cut the sides off it) What is the best was to cut it? I was thinking of using a skill saw with a fine tooth blade, do you guys think that will work? Thanks

 

[Stuart in MN]

That's what I would use. A nice long straight edge to guide the saw is a good idea, along with protective clothing and a face mask unless you like itching.

 

[robin1731]

Eye protection too. The dust will be terrible so make sure you cut it outside.

 

[boiler7904]

If your circular saw doesn't have a built in vac hose, have someone follow along manually with your vac hose to eliminate airborn fibers. Getting them in your eyes will be a *****.

 

[StingRay]

Use a tool with an abrasive cutting disc or something with a diamond or grit edge blade. In a circular saw you could use a metal cutting abrasive disc. To put things in perspective I can wear the teeth off of a jig saw blade in about a foot long cut. You will never get a toothed blade to survive. If you try something with teeth use at least carbide. Remember it's mostly glass you are cutting. The dust is also really hard on electric power tools. Over time it will eat them up.

 

[StumpXJ]

I would use a diamond tipped cut off wheel on a grinder. Im sure you could get the same effect from a circular saw with the right blade, but like it was mentioned, dont used a blade with 'teeth' on it.

Be prepared to have fiberglass in every nook and cranny of your body. Its not fun.

~James

 

[stimpee]

Abrasive machining is your friend with composites.

Also, when done, wash down and shower with COLD water. You will only make the mistake of using hot water once!

 

[-B-]

Use a circular cutter of a fibrous material ( IE cut off saw, die grinder, circular saw ect) get some one to help keep it moist and you will cut down on all the potental bad healt issues. Use a sprayer to keep the cut area wet it will help keep the bade fresher for a better cut too.

 

[A_Pmech]

Thin-kerf straight cutoff wheel or a diamond cut-off wheel in a trim saw. Like a hot knife though butter. Especially with a spray-up laminate like a pickup bed cover. Don't dally with the saw. Plunge in and go. Try to keep the saw depth about 1/4" below the bottom side so you don't get too much gel coat cracking, if present.

If you want to save the finish put down some 3" wide masking tape on either side of the line and inspect your saw's shoe for sharp spots.

 

[Bigspook]

I do fiber glass work and a skill saw will not work i will just crack the rest i use a die grinder with a 3" cut off wheel