Cutting GRP

[TiggerToo]

I have made up a GRP shape which I want to finish off by cutting. What is the best tool for this? The thickness is ~3-4mm

 

[coopec]

Maybe a jigsaw or an angle grinder with a cutting disc. Manually, a hacksaw (You could finish off the cut with an orbital sander)

 

[salar]

Angle grinder creates lots of dust. Jigsaw is OK but not always easy to control. I now use a Bosch Multi Tool for preference, it is brilliant for accurate cutting as it vibrates rather than spins so it much more controllable. It doesn't do sharp curves so you would need to pair with a hole cutter, and for that I now use the ceramic hole cutters used for tiling. These make a very neat curve. I have just fitted an access hatch in the cockpit side of Rebel Runner, job done no problem and minimal mess.

 

[pvb]

Another vote for a multi-tool, neat finish and very controllable.

 

[oldharry]

GRP will eat ordinary HSS cutting tools, OK for small jobs using blades on a 'one off' basis. But anything bigger/heavier will need specialised cutting tools, usually using grit as the cutting medium. Not usually difficult to find but not always on the DIY stores.

 

[srm]

Have used a jigsaw with blades for cutting metal, after a short while the teeth wear away. For circular holes a good quality tank cutter, again they wear quite quickly. Use a face mask as the dust contains glass.

 

[salar]

PS if you have to use an angle grinder, look for the ultra thin discs used for cutting tube. They grind away less, therefore creating less dust.

 

[PlankWalker]

These are the things I use, http://www.screwfix.com/p/grit-edged-jigsaw-blade-bayonet-fitting-gj12/10599
Now on offer at screwfix. And a medium file to tidy up afterwards.

Plank

 

[Avocet]

If you have access to a compressor, I often use an air saw for such jobs.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Makita make some grit edged jigsaw blades. I found some in my local builders merchants - Ridgeons. Ideal for grp and they seem to wear well, I only used it once and it looks like it will last a long time.

 

[Bav32]

+ 1 for the grit / carborundum jig saw blades. Think you can get similar grit cutters for the multi tool; fancy blades for the multi tool usually Bosch brand but will fit other makes.

 

[bigwow]

Diamond blades are the way to go
http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/Diamond_Blades.html

 

[GrahamHR]

+ 1 for the grit / carborundum jig saw blades. Think you can get similar grit cutters for the multi tool; fancy blades for the multi tool usually Bosch brand but will fit other makes.

Bosch Multitool +++++ ( blue ones, not the green domestic ones). I have a 300 model ( quick release tool mechanism). It's as wonderful as tools go. Cut some incredibly straight lines in GRP with no wandering, unlike quite expensive jigsaw/; blade combinations I have used in the past. They do generate some dust however.