Molybdenum wire cheese cutter

[Rhylsailer99]

Ive just bought one to remove backing plates where space is limited. I don't really want to use a cutting tool or other methods for fear of damaging the fiberglass.
Has anyone ever tried this method as it spring to mind as I used to repair mobile phone screens that way.

 

[Neeves]

I'm not sure I understand but to remove backing plates, or windows, secured with modern mastics is really hard work. For windows you really need 2 people if the windows are large and you are using a cheese wire. For backing plates it might be easier (as they are smaller than windows). My point is you need really decent handles. I tried it when removing windows and found it easier to use a filleting knife. They are thin, sharp and flexible. You can push the knife into the mastic and then lever side to side, take out move along 50mm and repeat.. Because the knife is flexible it slides over any curves and does not do much damage to the gel coat. But for windows, and backing plates, you are usually going to replace and damaging the gel coat is not a big issue.

I like using a filleting knife - its a tool with uses other than filleting.

If you are off to buy a filleting knife - but a decent one and keep it sharp.

To remove mastic from gel coat - take a piece of acrylic and cut the edge at 45 degrees. Sharpen it. You can use it as a chisel and it will remove mastic without scratching the gel coat. If you have a lot to do - make up a few at home - they lose their edge quite quickly. Also if you have a lot to do - make them up like little chisels (or big chisels) and give them a comfortable handle - they are then easier to use. You can get scrap acrylic out of appropriate rubbish bins.

Sorry if I have misunderstood the post - if I've got it wrong - correct me and if I can help further - I'll try.

Take care, stay safe

Jonathan

 

[Rhylsailer99]

I'm not sure I understand but to remove backing plates, or windows, secured with modern mastics is really hard work. For windows you really need 2 people if the windows are large and you are using a cheese wire. For backing plates it might be easier (as they are smaller than windows). My point is you need really decent handles. I tried it when removing windows and found it easier to use a filleting knife. They are thin, sharp and flexible. You can push the knife into the mastic and then lever side to side, take out move along 50mm and repeat.. Because the knife is flexible it slides over any curves and does not do much damage to the gel coat. But for windows, and backing plates, you are usually going to replace and damaging the gel coat is not a big issue.

I like using a filleting knife - its a tool with uses other than filleting.

If you are off to buy a filleting knife - but a decent one and keep it sharp.

To remove mastic from gel coat - take a piece of acrylic and cut the edge at 45 degrees. Sharpen it. You can use it as a chisel and it will remove mastic without scratching the gel coat. If you have a lot to do - make up a few at home - they lose their edge quite quickly. Also if you have a lot to do - make them up like little chisels (or big chisels) and give them a comfortable handle - they are then easier to use. You can get scrap acrylic out of appropriate rubbish bins.

Sorry if I have misunderstood the post - if I've got it wrong - correct me and if I can help further - I'll try.

Take care, stay safe

Jonathan

Thanks the fillet knife worked well I managed to get it in and break the seal the it was able to be removed. The wire i got from Ebay was 0.1mm and was shocked how fine it was and probably wouldn't have worked.
I was worried about causing damage as the backing plate is for the rear shroud as on my boat its just U bolts through the deck.