Custom/Hybrid Best tool for cutting cured frp?

[Dustin Mustangs]

What is your weapon of choice when it comes to cutting and grinding a cured laminate? It seems there are a lot of options for this but nothing purpose made for the task. I was using a ryobi with a carbide wheel for smaller projects and that worked pretty well. I am now in the middle of a large project that let the smoke out of the ryobi so what should I get for this?

I am thinking a 4.5" angle grinder, but what type of wheel would work best and last the longest? That carbide wheel for the ryobi worked great, the tool just couldn't keep up. I don't see those offered for the angle grinders though...

Any brand recommendations??? I don't want to break the bank but I also want it to be around for more than just this project.

 

[Dustin Mustangs]

Oh, and I also tried my sawzall and jigsaw with out much luck. They worked but the blades where dull in no time.

 

[js4506]

Dont make the mistake I did and buy a multi tool, well a cheap one at least. Barely cuts and dulls fast.

Hacksaws worked best for me so far because im cheap lol

 

[Big Kahuna]

What exactly are you talking about cutting?

 

[227]

For cutting I use an air powered multi tool with a cut off wheel. For grinding I use a steel grinder with a steel wheel. Both tools go through FRP and dried epoxy/resin like butter and don't dull. They do wear down but they last a long time.

 

[Dustin Mustangs]

What exactly are you talking about cutting?

FRP = fiber reinforced plastic. Mainly fiberglass right now (a blaster hull), but I do see so some carbon part trimming in my future.

For cutting I use an air powered multi tool with a cut off wheel. For grinding I use a steel grinder with a steel wheel. Both tools go through FRP and dried epoxy/resin like butter and don't dull. They do wear down but they last a long time.

Is there a reason you don't cut with the grinder using a different wheel? I'd rather not buy two tools for this and the grinder with a few different wheels seems the most versatile. I am just a little hesitant getting something electric as apposed to air powered and it doesn't seem like there are many air powered angle grinders out there.

 

[Big Kahuna]

With the die grinder you can get a little more precise cuts, plus you can get into different areas where you need to cut smooth and flush. The Angle Grinder/Side grinder, you are kinda limited but it is better for bigger jobs that do not require as accurate cutting where you need more ass behind it.

 

[AtomicPunk]

sawzalll and/or jigsaw will work if you are using the right blade

Air hacksaw rips pretty nicely too.

 

[sjetrider]

there is a metal 4.5" wheel made for right angle grinders and cutting concrete. Harbor freight CHEAP , they work forever. Other than that the metal cutting (thin ones) work great but wear down quick.

 

[227]

Is there a reason you don't cut with the grinder using a different wheel? I'd rather not buy two tools for this and the grinder with a few different wheels seems the most versatile. I am just a little hesitant getting something electric as apposed to air powered and it doesn't seem like there are many air powered angle grinders out there.

As you can see in pic #3 the cut off wheel is very thin. I don't think they make a wheel that thin for the metal grinder. The Multi tool spins at extremely high rpm's also and with the thin cut off wheel will cut through just about any thing. Its the only thing I have that will cut Stainless Steel. The steel grinder has a slower rpm but is good for shaping or feather edging fiberglass repairs, etc.

 

[MANFISH66]

For cutting I use an air powered multi tool with a cut off wheel. For grinding I use a steel grinder with a steel wheel. Both tools go through FRP and dried epoxy/resin like butter and don't dull. They do wear down but they last a long time.

X2! I use a air powered die grinder with a dremel ezlock diamond cutting wheel, and a angle grinder with a 80 grit steel wheel.

 

[MANFISH66]

Do not try and use the angle grinder as a cutter! Get a air powered die grinder, they r much easier to handle in tight spots.

 

[suva]

As you can see in pic #3 the cut off wheel is very thin. I don't think they make a wheel that thin for the metal grinder. QUOTE]

They make cut-off wheels for angle grinders too, maybe not quite as thin but not much more than 1/16.