Cutting in a piano hinge

[boatasiaus]

Hi Guys<br /><br />I need to cut my deck fishbox cover in 1/2, and install a continuous (piano) hinge to allow easier opening. Right now, its about 5 ft long. The question is, what to use to cut the fiberglass<br /><br />My thought was to use a downcut spiral bit in the router as they are available in narrow diameters. Online research says to use a fiberglass bit, though to me it looks more like a chamfering bit, and would leave rough edges. A third option is to use a standard double fluted bit. In a completely different approach, I could also use a jigsaw or circular saw, though they would likely leave very rough edges, requiring a bit more glass work. <br /><br />The full project is to cut the cover, then route out the section where the butt portion of the hinge sits, to keep it flush with the deck. I will also need to glass in some type of backing on the inside of the cover to attach the hinge plates. Touch up with gelcoat as necessary<br /><br />Has anyone done something like this before? Any recommendations?<br /><br />Thanks for the help<br />Ted

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

Why is it I keep thinking use a metal chop saw blade? Not sure about it. They are available for hand circulars.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

Have you tried a grinder? It works well melts the glass and cuts a straight edge if you can hold it that way. I had no problems cutting glass with it but it did not like wood.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

They say to use a fiberglass bit because cutting fiberglass dulls ordinary blades pronto. You could buy a bunch of cheap bits and go to it.

 

[boatasiaus]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

Thanks for the replies<br /><br />Realgun:<br /><br />I do have a grinder, but the control issue worries me<br /><br />Mark42<br /><br />I agree that the glass will dull bits quickly, but I should have added that the cover is only about 2 ft wide.<br /><br />I think I will go with the spiral bit in the router for control, and take several shallow passes. I will also have several of them on hand<br /><br />Ted

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

Get a Carborundum Blade for your circularsaw....<br /><br />You end up with a Grinding Wheel, with Control.......<br />Real Easy to get Straight Lines........And, Nice Clean Edges......<br /><br />Another Option,..... I just cut up a boat with a circularsaw, with a Carbide-tipped Metal Cutting Blade on it.........<br />Worked Great............. Very Little edge chipping........<br /><br />Your Roto-Zip/Router is going to be Hard to cut a Straight Line with........

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

A metal cutting blade on a recipercating saw works great.

 

[beniam]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

boatasiaus<br />Whether you go the circular or recipricating route, be sure to use a blade with fine teeth. It will help with a smoother cut.Also you might want to put some masking tape along the edge of the cut,on the side you want to save. Batavier

 

[boatasiaus]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

Thanks for all of the replies<br /><br />I guess the easiest solution so far is the circular saw with appropriate blade<br /><br />Though I must say, I did want to try my router.....<br /><br />Ted

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Cutting in a piano hinge

Circular saw or rotary bit (Dremel, Roto, router), either way. I agree with Batavier, if you want cleaner cut edges, apply a strip of tape over the fiberglass and mark your cut line on the tape. Also tape the other side of the fiberglass. Then either clamp a straightedge to the material or screw it down with the understanding you will need to fill the screw holes later. I have some pieces of “L” angle iron I use. That will guide your cutting tool for a perfect/straight cut.<br /><br />Don't know anything about fiberglass dulling a cutting blade?!?!? But cutting or sanding fiberglass can create a lot of dust that gets sucked into electric motors. That dust is very abrasive and will kill a motor fast. I noticed one of my electric tools stated if it was used with fiberglass the warranty was void. Another says if use with fiberglass it will shorten the tool’s life. Most don’t mention anything about it. I use a compressor and blow out the tool when I am done with it. Not much else you can do.