tools of the trade

[lingcod]

I want to start another resto project. the last time I burned through 4 angle grinders as fiberglass dust killed them. any suggestions on what tools to use?

kenzmad

 

[MTribe08]

Re: tools of the trade

I want to start another resto project. the last time I burned through 4 angle grinders as fiberglass dust killed them. any suggestions on what tools to use?

kenzmad

I used 1 Ryobi 4" angle for my entire project..worked great..after each use I would take my shop vac and suck out all of the dust from the intakes of the grinder..seemed to keep it working good.

SawsAll was a godsend for cutting out the deck...A dremel was great for smaller jobs..palm sander..orbital sander..fiberglass roller. Bench Grinder cam in handy quite a few times.

 

[lowkee]

Re: tools of the trade

#1 cause for the angle grinder failures I had were not dust, but the power cords going bad. I would replace the power cord with a heavy duty one and boom, perfect grinder yet again. Happened to 4 grinders for me, too. Returned 2 before I realized what the cause was, then fixed the remaining two. Have been great since.

I'd also recommend a sawzall, a scraper (steel one, not razor-based), chain saw (for transom), long crow bar (3') and metal cutting discs for your grinder. Buy the expensive flapper discs at lowes or HD.. you will get more bang for your buck, I promise.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: tools of the trade

I actually use a 5" air grinder with a fiberglass backing plate. Works great and is much more light weight, but you do need a good compressor. I also used my die grinder and right angle die grinder quite a bit. Wood chisels also came in handy.

 

[woosterken]

Re: tools of the trade

i think i read some where to put a lady's nylon stocking over the grinder body,it lets it breath but the dust wont get through.

woosterken

 

[lingcod]

Re: tools of the trade

started grinding today. damn I hate fiberglass dust. used a dremel for the corners. I wish I had used one on the last project as this thing is awesome.

kenzmad

 

[mrlassi1]

Re: tools of the trade

Good input so far. One item I've found invaluable for the dremmel is the spring loaded/locking arbor with cutting disks - for both metal and plastics. It will cut precisely and in close places. I also use a dremmel multi max - there are places you can reach and cut with it that nothing else will reach. I use a large electric angle grinder. I used a 40 grit flapper disc on my recent project and it worked GREAT. Wear a painter's coverall (HD has them made by Kleenex), a good resprorator and goggles. Did anyone mention a good shop vac?

In Bob's thread

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=357690

post #23 he shows a a couple of tools he used to cut out his floor and stringers. You can contact him to find out what they are - they look effective - but very dangerous.

-Mike