Aldi Workzone 300W Multifunction Tool

[nigelmercier]

Aldi Workzone 300W Multifunction Tool to remove through-hull fittings

I've just bought an Aldi Workzone 300W Multifunction Tool to take to the boat.
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbu.../product-detail/ps/p/300w-multifunction-tool/

One of the jobs I want this for is to remove the old through-hull fittings, as suggested here:

For skin fittings a Fein vibrasaw with an offset diamond coated cutting head or the Bosch equivalent is far better than an angle grinder which tends to gouge the hull.

Assuming this tool is up for the task, I need to get an "offset diamond coated cutting head", but I don't know which brand will fit.

Has anyone got this tool and can suggest which accessories will fit, preferably without an adaptor?

 

[pvb]

It'll take standard Fein/Bosch format blades. Lots on eBay if you search for fein diamond.

 

[Hadenough]

http://www.saxtonblades.co.uk/index.php?gclid=CJ3J08e1nLsCFWfkwgod6zsAnQ

Try these guys.

 

[Marsupial]

"For skin fittings a Fein vibrasaw with an offset diamond coated cutting head or the Bosch equivalent is far better than an angle grinder which tends to gouge the hull."

IF an angle grinder gouges the hull when removing skin fittings - your doing it wrong. The hull should not be touched at all.

 

[pvb]

IF an angle grinder gouges the hull when removing skin fittings - your doing it wrong. The hull should not be touched at all.

True, the technique with an angle grinder is just to remove the "corner" around the hole in the fitting, until the outer rim can be removed, then tap the fitting into the hull.
.

 

[nigelmercier]

... the technique with an angle grinder is just to remove the "corner" around the hole in the fitting, until the outer rim can be removed...

I think this could be a lot easier, but I wanted a backup tool. However, I'm not sure how you would cut off the corner without grinding away most of the flange.

Thanks chaps.

 

[pvb]

I think this could be a lot easier, but I wanted a backup tool. However, I'm not sure how you would cut off the corner without grinding away most of the flange.

You need a small (4"?) grinder, and use the grinding disc perpendicular to the surface of the hull, and rotate it so that the inner corner of the hole is gradually removed. You can do it without essentially touching the flange. The guys in the boatyard told me how to do it, and it was remarkably easy.

 

[nigelmercier]

You need a small (4"?) grinder, and use the grinding disc perpendicular to the surface of the hull, and rotate it so that the inner corner of the hole is gradually removed...

I wondered if that was the way, thanks. So a good reason to hang onto any well-worn discs then.

 

[pvb]

I wondered if that was the way, thanks. So a good reason to hang onto any well-worn discs then.

 

[David2452]

For removing skin fittings totally cleanly and quickly the best method I have found is an Oops arbor with an appropriate sized holes saw of the fittings internal dia and another hole saw the same dia as the fitting, quick and clean. If you don't have an Oops arbor then I guess a piece of wood rammed in the fitting to support the pilot would work well too. I use the method on topsides fittings where a slip would be much more serious than one below the water line where it could be touched up with epoxy before the AF was touched up.

 

[nigelmercier]

For removing skin fittings totally cleanly and quickly the best method I have found is an Oops arbor ...

Never heard of this, thanks.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001LFBJKS/dolcetto-21

 

[parbuckle]

Oops arbor did not know this beast existed one learns something useful every day.

 

[Hadenough]

Great tip , thanks, never seen one before, what a brilliant idea.

 

[garvellachs]

But below the waterline it really is easy with a grinder and a metal-cutting disk. The brass/bronze is soft and cuts away so easily; just grind away from the centre until the rim is detached all the way round (so you can see a small gap) and then the rim will tap away (only held by sealant) and the fitting will tap or rock back through the hull (again just held by sealant). It really is a 5 minute job. Just beware of sparks flying and wear eye protection obviously.

 

[duncan99210]

I've always used a cutting disc on a Dremel to cut round the inside of the bevel thus allowing the fitting to be tapped into the inside of the hull. Easier to control than an angle grinder and easy to spot when you've cut through the metal. Takes a few discs to complete the job though as the ones small enough to fit inside the fitting seem to be fairly fragile.

 

[nigelmercier]

I've always used a cutting disc on a Dremel ...

I wondered about a Dremel, but I've also found the small discs too fragile. Their SpeedClic discs are much better, but quite large.

 

[duncan99210]

I live with the fragility of the discs in exchange for the ease of control. They also do 'heavy duty' cutting discs in the smaller size which last a bit longer than the cheapo ones. Usually takes about three discs to cut out a fitting unless you have a really steady hand in which case you can get away with less.

 

[nigelmercier]

... They [Dremel] also do 'heavy duty' cutting discs in the smaller size which last a bit longer than the cheapo ones...

Thanks, I found the discs are 420 and 426, so I bought a couple of Dremel cutting kits that included them:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005LEY1/dolcetto-21

That way I can load up the mandrels in advance.