[Public-List] Public-List Digest, Vol 3455, Issue 1

[William Dirks via Public-List]

I had to do a lot of cutting of fiberglass on my boat last year and
found that an oscillating tool creates much less mess than any tool
with a spinning blade.  I used a cheap oscillating tool that I got
from H$rb at r Fr*&ght and replacement blades that were on sale at
W at lm$rt.  A grinder or wheel on a drill would have cut somewhat
faster, and I would have gone through fewer blades, but the minimal
amount of dust produced is well worth it. In addition to creating less
dust, an oscillating tool also doesn't throw it into the air like a
grinding disc does.  It would also help to have a vacuum running
nearby to remove any dust you create.

>     You are correct to consider removing the shelf and cutting out the
> current knee and tabbing. Glass is not an easy cut and a diamond blade helps
>
> but is not essential with the small amount of cutting for removal of a knee.
>
> Even a 4" grinder will cut things out for you. You will find though. that
> there will be dust everywhere, right back to the icebox, regardless of the
> tools you use for cutting and smoothing. That means you should take
> everything you don't want to get glass dust on it out of the boat before you
>
> start.