Recommended tool for opening up cracks prior to filling and fairing

[GBurton]

Any recommendations? I'm thinking small grinder or dremel tool......

[AjariBonten]

Cracks in what?

How big?

How steady is your hand?

[GBurton]

Cracks in gelcote and also I need to open up a joint at the scupper tube to fill and fair. My hand is fairly steady....

The cracks are less than 1/8"

[AjariBonten]

I would avoid power tools. I did something similar with a set of dentists' picks and jewelers' files.

But that's me, LOL; but slow and steady wins the race, etc. etc. And little chance of making things worse :-(

[GBurton]

I have many of these types of repairs to do. Dentist picks and jewellers files.....no way

[Slooptattoo]

I generally use a dremel tool with a pointed grinder attachment. I've always just opened up enough to eliminate the fractured material without taking too much and refill with the appropriate material depending upon what I'm working on, then fair it. Good luck. Hope it turns out well.

[AjariBonten]

Ah, I see. Then I would use a dremel tool with a tapered grinding bit. Even better if the bit was mounted on an extended cable; a lot easier on the hands and arms after an extended period and easier to control.

Good luck,
Fred

Hey Sloop, GMTA ;-)

[sailingdog]

I'd second a Dremel with a tapered grinding bit.

[Giulietta]

I used my hands once to open a crack....but I had to wash them afterwards....I lost the appetitie for fiiling and fairing...

Never again....it itches..don't touch craks like that, ok?

[GBurton]

Something is lost in the translation methinks....