Tool Question

Freesail99 · #1 03-19-2007

I replaced 1/2 of my galley on my boat. It came out so well, that I started to remove the other size. Here is the problem, the cabinet "face" is fiberglassed into the hull. My plan is to use an angle grinder with a 4 inch cut off wheel. My question is, what kind of cut off wheel ? I can find two types, one for metal and one for masonary. Which do I use or is there an other ?
Thanks,
Paul

sailingdog · #2 03-19-2007

I don't see why either wouldn't work on fiberglass. However, you will want to be careful and take it slowly, so that you don't cause unintended damage to the boat. Power tools are great at making a small job into a big one quickly...

Freesail99 · #3 03-19-2007

Thanks for the reply. I did have this dream ( nitemare ) last night ...... If I could do it by hand I would. It is in a very tight space and is going to be a royal pain to do. I may even cut it so I leave something behind, to be ground off after I have a little more room to work.
Fair Winds

sailingdog · #4 03-19-2007

You're far better off leaving something behind and going back for it once the bulk of the material has been removed, than trying to get as close as you can and damaging the hull.

Don't forget to wear eye protection, a dust mask and a bunny suit, unless you like feeling itchy for the next month...

TrueBlue · #5 03-19-2007

It may not be applicable in this situation, but some interior panels which are glassed in, or tabbed to the hull, serve as structural bulkheads. The naval architect could have intended this construction technique to serve as supplemental reinforcment.

Freesail99 · #6 03-19-2007

It may well be a structural bulkhead. Right now it's 1/2 plywood. We will be replacing and fiberglassing back into the hull with 3/4 hardwood plywood that has been epoxied and varnished

Faster · #7 03-19-2007

If the rig's still in and this part could be a rig-load bearing structure, be sure to slack the rig off while it's being cut out.

Freesail99 · #8 03-19-2007

The mast is down, as I am resetting all deck fittings. I will be epoxying the holes redrilling and using sikalex 291 to resetting the fitting. But I do need mother nature to help me out. I frooze my butt off at the boat yesterday.

Paul

txmatt · #9 03-19-2007

In cutting out bulkheads with an angle grinder I've found it helpfull to use a thin wheel (no more than 1/8") and to remove the protective cover thing that covers part of the wheel. Just be careful and wear gloves. A good respirator and goggles are critical, not to mention ear protection.

Leaving some material and grinding if off afterwards is wise, so long as you cut enough to get the bulkhead out.

Valiente · #10 03-19-2007

Have a supply of wheels on hand because they can clog and dull quickly and don't linger in one spot, because you can really melt the FG quickly.

And a respirator, not just a mask, is a must, as is a full acrylic face mask of the "welder" type over it. You don't want little hot particles in your eye, and if you crack the cut-off wheel doing an overly tight angle, or if you slip, you'll keep your good looks...