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Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 5:50 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Quick query of y'all.  For cutting fiberglass, I know many

people have recommended those sonic vibrating tools, like

Fein, SoniCrafter, and others.  Harbor freight has a

single and variable speed model, and there is a Rockwell

on sale by me now too.



Is there any outstanding reason to buy one over the other?



Has anyone had experience with the Harbor Freight cheap ones?



How about which blade cuts fiberglass best?



I'm going to buy one today, for fiberglass cutting, and

wanted to take some of your recommendations with me.



Tim

aerosport1

Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 231

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:06 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Tim

I have had the Fein for about 12 years now and it gets used and abused every

week for something here at work. That being 

Said it is expensive compared to the others. The quality of the Fein is

outstanding. I think the key here is that

Some of these tools do not turn the RPM or movement as the Fein. If it is

20,000 like the Fein then for 

Home use I would get the soniCrafter. The flat 3/4 round thin blades work

the best for fiberglass cutting. I would 

Recommend a variable speed as well.



FWIW



Geoff

Geoff Combs 

Aerosport Modeling and Design

8090 howe industrial pkwy

canal winchester, ohio 43110

614.834.5227p

614.834.5230f

www.aerosportmodeling.com



--

_________________
Geoff Combs
RV-10 QB N829GW
Flying 500 hrs
40033

bcondrey

Joined: 03 Apr 2006
Posts: 580

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:14 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Tim,

 Â 

 Other factor is blades - there isn't a single "standard". just make sure you can get the blades you want.Â  There are at least 2-3 different configurations of how they actually attach to the tool and aren't interchangable.Â  

  Â 

 FWIW, I've got a Bosch that I found on sale and like it a lot.Â  They work very well for trimming most stuff but if you're trimming thick material like the cabin top (1/4" or thicker in places) you'll go through blades pretty quickly.

  Â 

 Bob

 On Fri, Nov 9, 2012 at 8:04 AM, Geoff Combs <g.combs(at)aerosportmodeling.com (g.combs(at)aerosportmodeling.com)> wrote:

 [quote]--> RV10-List message posted by: "Geoff Combs" <g.combs(at)aerosportmodeling.com (g.combs(at)aerosportmodeling.com)>

 

Tim

I have had the Fein for about 12 years now and it gets used and abused every

week for something here at work. That being

Said it is expensive compared to the others. The quality of the Fein is

outstanding. I think the key here is that

 Some of these tools do not turn the RPM or movement as the Fein. If it is

20,000 like the Fein then for

Home use I would get the soniCrafter. The flat 3/4 round thin blades work

the best for fiberglass cutting. I would

 Recommend a variable speed as well.



FWIW



Geoff

Geoff Combs

Aerosport Modeling and Design

8090 howe industrial pkwy

canal winchester, ohio 43110

614.834.5227p

614.834.5230f

www.aerosportmodeling.com

 

--

davidsoutpost(at)comcast.
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:17 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

I usually can recommend HF for a lot of stuff but have never had good luck with there electric tools.   On the other hand,  I purchased one of their multi tool blades and had very good luck with it.  It was a bi-metal blade.  Works great on fiberglass.  In fact,  I used it yesterday in my Fein and cut out the Skyview holes in my IP and it was still going strong after a whole lot of fiberglass cutting which is really hard on blades.   I would opt for the Rockwell SoniCrafter which Costco has for $79.  Just my humble opinion.



David Clifford



RV-10 Builder

Howell,  MI

From: "Tim Olson" <Tim(at)MyRV10.com>

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Sent: Friday, November 9, 2012 8:49:10 AM

Subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools



--> RV10-List message posted by: Tim Olson <Tim(at)myrv10.com>



Quick query of y'all.  For cutting fiberglass, I know many

people have recommended those sonic vibrating tools, like

Fein, SoniCrafter, and others.  Harbor freight has a

single and variable speed model, and there is a Rockwell

on sale by me now too.



Is there any outstanding reason to buy one over the other?



Has anyone had experience with the Harbor Freight cheap ones?



How about which blade cuts fiberglass best?



I'm going to buy one today, for fiberglass cutting, and

wanted to take some of your recommendations with me.

                  -Matt Dralle=====================





 [quote][b]

Kelly McMullen

Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 1188
Location: Sun Lakes AZ

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 7:29 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Tim,

I evaluated one of the cheap HF ones for EAA. Less than 6 months later it failed from switch problems, likely related to overheating. I was able to get a replacement from them, which I still have, but don't use much since I got the initial cabin top and doors trimming done. For smaller jobs I much prefer the fine control of a Dremel cutoff wheel. The HF tool is maybe a bit easier to use than my die grinder with cutoff wheel. Probably doesn't send dust and grit flying as far. Main weakness of HF version IMHO is that it can't take continuous heavy cutting. The straight metal blades wear quickly. The more expensive diamond grit blades don't seem to cut as fast and make a wider cut.

 Kelly



On Fri, Nov 9, 2012 at 6:49 AM, Tim Olson <Tim(at)myrv10.com (Tim(at)myrv10.com)> wrote:

[quote] --> RV10-List message posted by: Tim Olson <Tim(at)myrv10.com (Tim(at)myrv10.com)>

 

 Quick query of y'all.  For cutting fiberglass, I know many

 people have recommended those sonic vibrating tools, like

 Fein, SoniCrafter, and others.  Harbor freight has a

 single and variable speed model, and there is a Rockwell

 on sale by me now too.

 

 Is there any outstanding reason to buy one over the other?

 

 Has anyone had experience with the Harbor Freight cheap ones?

 

 How about which blade cuts fiberglass best?

 

 I'm going to buy one today, for fiberglass cutting, and

 wanted to take some of your recommendations with me.

 

 Tim

 

 ====================================

 om" target="_blank">www.aeroelectric.com

 ooks.com" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com

 et="_blank">www.homebuilthelp.com

 ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 le, List Admin.

 ====================================

 arget="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List

 ====================================

 http://forums.matronics.com

 ====================================

 

 

 

 [b]

_________________
Kelly McMullen
A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor
KCHD

rleffler

Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 680

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 7:40 am Post subject: Re: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

I have two of the entry level HF multi-function tool.  It's a long story that I won't go into at the moment.



It would be better if it had a faster speed like the Fein, but I rarely had a problem cutting anything.   The fiberglass on the cabin cover was pretty easy to cut.  I did find that the flat bi-metal half moon blade lasted longer.  I think I went trough blades a whole lot faster than Geoff does with his Fein, but since I don't use it regularly, HF was the less expensive option.



It's on sale now for $17.99.  Hard to beat at that price.



I debated about upgrading to the faster unit from HF or another vendor, but couldn't justify the expense since the one I had worked.



bob

_________________
Bob Leffler
N410BL - Phase I
http://mykitlog.com/rleffler

Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:02 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Thanks guys for all of the feedback from all 5 of you

so far.



There are times when you buy tools to last a long time,

and times when you buy a tool for a few jobs.  This one I

was mixed on.  I'd like to have it last, because I did

order my RV-14 kit and may want to use it on that build.

But, what I need it for TODAY is cutting a fibergalss

bathtub out of the house.



As Bob says, the HF cheap single speed is $17.99

right now.  Their variable speed model "Pro" one

is $34.99.  Then there's the Rockwell SoniCrafter

that's $99 right now in our local stores.



Ultimately, it's worth $18 just to get the dang tub

cut out, so the HF one could be fine, but, I have

a hard time sometimes buying a cheap tool, so I'm still

on the fence. The RV-14 doesn't have nearly the amount

of fiberglass to deal with (Woo Hoo!!), but it may come

in handy on the cowl and some other parts.  Like Kelly,

I used a cutoff wheel on the RV-10 a lot, and that worked

well.  I used the air powered tools more though.

I just remember being COVERED in fiberglass when I got

done, so for tonights job I just KNOW I want to use a

vibrating tool.  I guess I'll have to actually go

to HF today and put one in my hands, and see what

accessories it includes.  As Bob mentioned, the blades

are important too, and I'll have to compare which one

will cost me more to use in the long run, especially

since the job is fiberglass and the blades will add up.



Dave, you talked about not having luck with HF for

electric tools, but said you used their blades in your

Fein.  So the HF Blades work fine in a Fein then, eh?

I don't think I'll spend that kind of money on the

tool, but I wonder if the HF blades would work on the

SoniCrafter...

Still got to think about it. Maybe some google time

will help.  I figured this would be a good discussion

for RV-10 builders looking for the tool too, since

that is where I first heard that these things are

good for fiberglass. I sure wish I would have had

one when I was doing the -10.  If I were doing another

-10, I'd probably consider a Fein or at least real

nice copy.



Tim

On 11/9/2012 9:40 AM, rleffler wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 I have two of the entry level HF multi-function tool.  It's a long

 story that I won't go into at the moment.



 It would be better if it had a faster speed like the Fein, but I

 rarely had a problem cutting anything.   The fiberglass on the cabin

 cover was pretty easy to cut.  I did find that the flat bi-metal half

 moon blade lasted longer.  I think I went trough blades a whole lot

 faster than Geoff does with his Fein, but since I don't use it

 regularly, HF was the less expensive option.



 It's on sale now for $17.99.  Hard to beat at that price.



 I debated about upgrading to the faster unit from HF or another

 vendor, but couldn't justify the expense since the one I had worked.



 bob

davidsoutpost(at)comcast.
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:07 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

The key to using one of the multi-tools is the blade.  The HSS blades will not cut good and will not last.  Spend the extra few dollars and purchase the bi-metal blades.  We built 2 Cozy MKIV planes and used only 2 bi-metal blades,  Fein Bi-metal at $70 each way back when.  That's a whole lot of fiberglass cutting with only 2 blades.  The bi-metal blade I purchased from HF was only about $14 IIRC and the quality of that blades is very good.  It fit the Fein just fine and most of the multi-tools out there now use universal mounting systems.  I believe that the Bosch uses its own though.  The variable speed control is a must have for doing different things.  The Fein was about $400 way back when we purchased it and gets used quite often in and out of the shop.   They are half the price now.  Good tools that you plan to keep are well worth the extra cost.  I would not hesitate to purchase the Rockwell kit (at) $79 from Costco.  It is a well built product that will last.  



David Clifford



RV-10 Builder

Howell,  MI

From: "rleffler" <rv(at)thelefflers.com>

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Sent: Friday, November 9, 2012 10:40:36 AM

Subject: Re: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools



--> RV10-List message posted by: "rleffler" <rv(at)thelefflers.com>



I have two of the entry level HF multi-function tool.  It's a long story that I won't go into at the moment.



It would be better if it had a faster speed like the Fein, but I rarely had a problem cutting anything.   The fiberglass on the cabin cover was pretty easy to cut.  I did find that the flat bi-metal half moon blade lasted longer.  I think I went trough blades a whole lot faster than Geoff does with his Fein, but since I don't use it regularly, HF was the less expensive option.



It's on sale now for $17.99.  Hard to beat at that price.



I debated about upgrading to the faster unit from HF or another vendor, but couldn't justify the expense since the one I had worked.



bob



--------

Bob Leffler

N410BL - Paint - 90% done, 90% to go stage

RV-10 #40684

http://mykitlog.com/rleffler





Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=387368#387368

<=           (And Get Some AWESOME FREE Gifts!)

flying-nut(at)cfl.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:38 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

On 11/9/2012 11:02 AM, Tim Olson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Thanks guys for all of the feedback from all 5 of you

 so far.



 There are times when you buy tools to last a long time,

 and times when you buy a tool for a few jobs.  This one I

 was mixed on.  I'd like to have it last, because I did

 order my RV-14 kit and may want to use it on that build.

 But, what I need it for TODAY is cutting a fibergalss

 bathtub out of the house.

I used a coarse blade in the HF reciprocating saw (like a Sawzall) to 
	


cut out a FG shower.  Made quick work of it.

Linn

robin(at)PaintTheWeb.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:18 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Just be happy you have a fiberglass tub vs. a cast iron tub. The crew charged with removing a large cast iron tub from our upstairs master had to cut it in half. The mayhem included breaking two picture windows with flying metal chunks. 

BTW the only issue with the tub was that it was peach in color. Had to go!



Robin

Do Not Archive



--

ngeorge(at)continentalmot
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:24 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

You don't have an axe?  Or a sawsall?



neal



--

Lew Gallagher

Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 402
Location: Greenville , SC

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:26 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Hey Tim,



Just a thought or two.  For the thinner cowl type cutting (your next 

project -- awesome), I always use sheers (same ones as on aluminum) -- no 

dust, no kerf, easy to final touch up with a belt sander.  For tub removal 

where finesse is the least concern, I use a sawsall with a course blade and 

have at it!  I'll be doing that soon to the tub/shower I built the room 

around 26 years ago.



Later, - Lew

_________________
non-pilot
crazy about building
NOW OFICIALLY BUILDER #40549
Fly off completed !

rv10flyer(at)live.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 9:42 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

I gather painting it was never a consideration? (LOL)



--

wgreenley

Joined: 09 Jan 2010
Posts: 100
Location: Dowagiac, MI

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 10:20 am Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Actually, there are companies that resurface bathtubs in place. My dad had a

franchise and did that for a number of years before he retired. He often did

tubs and sinks, could even do tile. The homeowner would then put in a new

matching stool. New look without the destruction. The process would also

totally seal the grouting in any tile.

Bill



--

Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:17 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

To circle back on the tool thing....I did end up getting the

Harbor Freight tool.  I got it with a coupon for $34.99

for the variable speed version, which does do 20K RPM.

I also bought a diamond blade, a couple extra wood/metal

circle blades, and a better pluger blade in addition to the

one that came with it.  I bought the $9.99 2 yr warranty

too.  It was $95 tax included, with all the extras.



I read a few reviews of the HF one, and basically it

was comparable in quality to the Rockwell.  People said

the old single speed was junk, but the variable was

very nice and they used it for tons of things.  Some

did have problems, but with the added warranty they

said they'd go that route because if something goes wrong

you just bring it in and grab a new one.  So for the

money, it was a good way to go.  The blades, incidentally,

say they're good for Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, and all of the

brands, so they must be very similar.  So if it works,

it should be good for me.  If I have any real positive

or negative comments I'll circle back and give them to

you.



I'm just glad the tub wasn't peach like Robins...but it

is an awful gold color from the 70's.  Resurfacing isn't

something I'd like, but Neil's idea of the axe makes

the project sound fun!



On the topic of RV-14...a couple have asked "Why?".



Well, I have a crystal ball.  My crystal ball tells

me that my kids will not want to travel with us when

they are 15-18 years old unless they have friends with

them.  We only have a 4-seat plane.  This gives us

6 seats of capacity for X/C trips, with 2 planes

with similar speeds and ranges.  But, it does a couple

other things.... it gives the kids a plane to learn

in, it gives a fun plane for local flights, and it

gives me an aerobatic plane to play in.  It's a toy

plane, and one that I'm only planning to keep for

maybe 10 years.  It's "disposable".  My RV-10 will

probably never be sold.  This one I'll probably try

to get partners in, too.  So I won't be quite as

attached to this plane (I think), but it should be

a lot of fun!



Tim

Mauledriver(at)nc.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:09 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

Re the saw.  I'll be interested in reading your review somewhere down 

the line.



I felt like I tried 'everything' when I was at the FG top phase. I did 

get a version of the vibrating tool.  Honestly, after a week of 

experimentation, it collected dust for the last 3 years.  I need a demo 

or something.



I went thru 2 HF air powered recip saws.  They worked until they 

failed.  I think you used these too.  Cheap but hard to control 

precisely.  I did cut my landing light hole out with one and survived 

the experience.



One thing worked very well for me and that is the Sawzall type of recip 

saws with a custom blade.  Maybe this is what you meant by a diamond 

blade, maybe the bi metal, I don't know.  But What I got was an abrasive 

type of blade and cut it length-wise so that it could turn tighter 

corners.  The (diamond?) abrasive cuts much better than any toothed 

blade, it's easy to handle even on a big recip Sawzall,  and it lasts.



Based on that experience, I try to avoid using my bladed tools on any 

fiberglass.  Abrasive countersinks are particularly effective too.  But 

you probably know all that already.



Anyway, thanks for sharing your reasons for the '14.  Fantastic!



Bill

On 11/9/2012 4:16 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 To circle back on the tool thing....I did end up getting the

 Harbor Freight tool.  I got it with a coupon for $34.99

 for the variable speed version, which does do 20K RPM.

 I also bought a diamond blade, a couple extra wood/metal

 circle blades, and a better pluger blade in addition to the

 one that came with it.  I bought the $9.99 2 yr warranty

 too.  It was $95 tax included, with all the extras.



 I read a few reviews of the HF one, and basically it

 was comparable in quality to the Rockwell.  People said

 the old single speed was junk, but the variable was

 very nice and they used it for tons of things.  Some

 did have problems, but with the added warranty they

 said they'd go that route because if something goes wrong

 you just bring it in and grab a new one.  So for the

 money, it was a good way to go.  The blades, incidentally,

 say they're good for Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, and all of the

 brands, so they must be very similar.  So if it works,

 it should be good for me.  If I have any real positive

 or negative comments I'll circle back and give them to

 you.



 I'm just glad the tub wasn't peach like Robins...but it

 is an awful gold color from the 70's.  Resurfacing isn't

 something I'd like, but Neil's idea of the axe makes

 the project sound fun!



 On the topic of RV-14...a couple have asked "Why?".



 Well, I have a crystal ball.  My crystal ball tells

 me that my kids will not want to travel with us when

 they are 15-18 years old unless they have friends with

 them.  We only have a 4-seat plane.  This gives us

 6 seats of capacity for X/C trips, with 2 planes

 with similar speeds and ranges.  But, it does a couple

 other things.... it gives the kids a plane to learn

 in, it gives a fun plane for local flights, and it

 gives me an aerobatic plane to play in.  It's a toy

 plane, and one that I'm only planning to keep for

 maybe 10 years.  It's "disposable".  My RV-10 will

 probably never be sold.  This one I'll probably try

 to get partners in, too.  So I won't be quite as

 attached to this plane (I think), but it should be

 a lot of fun!



 Tim

Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 4:38 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

OK, I've used the tool a bit now, so I can at least give

preliminary comments on it.  I think that if you hold a

steady hand, you can do some pretty good straight cuts with

the tool.  The standard 3/4 round blades cut pretty well and you

could rough cut with them and file it to finish for any

fiberglass work you do.  It isn't nearly as fast as the

rough blade sawsall, but you won't find anything to use a

sawsall on for a plane anyway.  The blade seemed to last a

pretty good amount of time.  The glass was nearly 1/4" thick

and I probably cut 25' or more of distance with it.  It's

pretty worn down now.  But, if you were trimming wingtips

or something, it seems like it wouldn't do a bad job at all.

(just a guess since I wasn't trimming wingtips)  The HF tool

didn't have any operational problems and I did run it until

it got pretty darn warm and then gave it a break. It does come

with new brushes, which many tools don't, so that's a plus.

All in all, I'm glad I bought it....it was real comforting

when cutting into the area that had electrical and network

wiring behind it....I didn't have to worry about wrecking

something too bad.  It was also safer than the sawsall when

moving my hands near the cutter.



So, I'm sure there are better tools, like the Fein or some

good name brands, but this one seems like it would survive

an RV-10 build for the small amount of cutting you'd do

with it.

Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD



On 11/9/2012 3:16 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 To circle back on the tool thing....I did end up getting the

 Harbor Freight tool.  I got it with a coupon for $34.99

 for the variable speed version, which does do 20K RPM.

 I also bought a diamond blade, a couple extra wood/metal

 circle blades, and a better pluger blade in addition to the

 one that came with it.  I bought the $9.99 2 yr warranty

 too.  It was $95 tax included, with all the extras.



 I read a few reviews of the HF one, and basically it

 was comparable in quality to the Rockwell.  People said

 the old single speed was junk, but the variable was

 very nice and they used it for tons of things.  Some

 did have problems, but with the added warranty they

 said they'd go that route because if something goes wrong

 you just bring it in and grab a new one.  So for the

 money, it was a good way to go.  The blades, incidentally,

 say they're good for Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, and all of the

 brands, so they must be very similar.  So if it works,

 it should be good for me.  If I have any real positive

 or negative comments I'll circle back and give them to

 you.



 I'm just glad the tub wasn't peach like Robins...but it

 is an awful gold color from the 70's.  Resurfacing isn't

 something I'd like, but Neil's idea of the axe makes

 the project sound fun!



 On the topic of RV-14...a couple have asked "Why?".



 Well, I have a crystal ball.  My crystal ball tells

 me that my kids will not want to travel with us when

 they are 15-18 years old unless they have friends with

 them.  We only have a 4-seat plane.  This gives us

 6 seats of capacity for X/C trips, with 2 planes

 with similar speeds and ranges.  But, it does a couple

 other things.... it gives the kids a plane to learn

 in, it gives a fun plane for local flights, and it

 gives me an aerobatic plane to play in.  It's a toy

 plane, and one that I'm only planning to keep for

 maybe 10 years.  It's "disposable".  My RV-10 will

 probably never be sold.  This one I'll probably try

 to get partners in, too.  So I won't be quite as

 attached to this plane (I think), but it should be

 a lot of fun!



 Tim

 \

Tim Olson

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 2872

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 4:46 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

PS: The biggest benefit?  There was very little dust compared to

other cutting methods.  The sawsall made a mess.  The oscillating

tool was not bad.



Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD



On 11/9/2012 6:37 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 OK, I've used the tool a bit now, so I can at least give

 preliminary comments on it.  I think that if you hold a

 steady hand, you can do some pretty good straight cuts with

 the tool.  The standard 3/4 round blades cut pretty well and you

 could rough cut with them and file it to finish for any

 fiberglass work you do.  It isn't nearly as fast as the

 rough blade sawsall, but you won't find anything to use a

 sawsall on for a plane anyway.  The blade seemed to last a

 pretty good amount of time.  The glass was nearly 1/4" thick

 and I probably cut 25' or more of distance with it.  It's

 pretty worn down now.  But, if you were trimming wingtips

 or something, it seems like it wouldn't do a bad job at all.

 (just a guess since I wasn't trimming wingtips)  The HF tool

 didn't have any operational problems and I did run it until

 it got pretty darn warm and then gave it a break. It does come

 with new brushes, which many tools don't, so that's a plus.

 All in all, I'm glad I bought it....it was real comforting

 when cutting into the area that had electrical and network

 wiring behind it....I didn't have to worry about wrecking

 something too bad.  It was also safer than the sawsall when

 moving my hands near the cutter.



 So, I'm sure there are better tools, like the Fein or some

 good name brands, but this one seems like it would survive

 an RV-10 build for the small amount of cutting you'd do

 with it.

 Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD



 On 11/9/2012 3:16 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

> 

>

> To circle back on the tool thing....I did end up getting the

> Harbor Freight tool.  I got it with a coupon for $34.99

> for the variable speed version, which does do 20K RPM.

> I also bought a diamond blade, a couple extra wood/metal

> circle blades, and a better pluger blade in addition to the

> one that came with it.  I bought the $9.99 2 yr warranty

> too.  It was $95 tax included, with all the extras.

>

> I read a few reviews of the HF one, and basically it

> was comparable in quality to the Rockwell.  People said

> the old single speed was junk, but the variable was

> very nice and they used it for tons of things.  Some

> did have problems, but with the added warranty they

> said they'd go that route because if something goes wrong

> you just bring it in and grab a new one.  So for the

> money, it was a good way to go.  The blades, incidentally,

> say they're good for Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, and all of the

> brands, so they must be very similar.  So if it works,

> it should be good for me.  If I have any real positive

> or negative comments I'll circle back and give them to

> you.

>

> I'm just glad the tub wasn't peach like Robins...but it

> is an awful gold color from the 70's.  Resurfacing isn't

> something I'd like, but Neil's idea of the axe makes

> the project sound fun!

>

> On the topic of RV-14...a couple have asked "Why?".

>

> Well, I have a crystal ball.  My crystal ball tells

> me that my kids will not want to travel with us when

> they are 15-18 years old unless they have friends with

> them.  We only have a 4-seat plane.  This gives us

> 6 seats of capacity for X/C trips, with 2 planes

> with similar speeds and ranges.  But, it does a couple

> other things.... it gives the kids a plane to learn

> in, it gives a fun plane for local flights, and it

> gives me an aerobatic plane to play in.  It's a toy

> plane, and one that I'm only planning to keep for

> maybe 10 years.  It's "disposable".  My RV-10 will

> probably never be sold.  This one I'll probably try

> to get partners in, too.  So I won't be quite as

> attached to this plane (I think), but it should be

> a lot of fun!

>

> Tim

> \

jeff(at)westcottpress.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 5:16 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

My Fein tool allows for a vacuum attachment, though it's a bit cumbersome to use that way



Jeff Carpenter

40304

Painting

On Nov 9, 2012, at 4:46 PM, Tim Olson wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 PS: The biggest benefit?  There was very little dust compared to

 other cutting methods.  The sawsall made a mess.  The oscillating

 tool was not bad.

 

 Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD

 

 

 

 On 11/9/2012 6:37 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

> 

> 

> OK, I've used the tool a bit now, so I can at least give

> preliminary comments on it.  I think that if you hold a

> steady hand, you can do some pretty good straight cuts with

> the tool.  The standard 3/4 round blades cut pretty well and you

> could rough cut with them and file it to finish for any

> fiberglass work you do.  It isn't nearly as fast as the

> rough blade sawsall, but you won't find anything to use a

> sawsall on for a plane anyway.  The blade seemed to last a

> pretty good amount of time.  The glass was nearly 1/4" thick

> and I probably cut 25' or more of distance with it.  It's

> pretty worn down now.  But, if you were trimming wingtips

> or something, it seems like it wouldn't do a bad job at all.

> (just a guess since I wasn't trimming wingtips)  The HF tool

> didn't have any operational problems and I did run it until

> it got pretty darn warm and then gave it a break. It does come

> with new brushes, which many tools don't, so that's a plus.

> All in all, I'm glad I bought it....it was real comforting

> when cutting into the area that had electrical and network

> wiring behind it....I didn't have to worry about wrecking

> something too bad.  It was also safer than the sawsall when

> moving my hands near the cutter.

> 

> So, I'm sure there are better tools, like the Fein or some

> good name brands, but this one seems like it would survive

> an RV-10 build for the small amount of cutting you'd do

> with it.

> 

> 

> Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD

> 

> 

> 

> On 11/9/2012 3:16 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

>> 

>> 

>> To circle back on the tool thing....I did end up getting the

>> Harbor Freight tool.  I got it with a coupon for $34.99

>> for the variable speed version, which does do 20K RPM.

>> I also bought a diamond blade, a couple extra wood/metal

>> circle blades, and a better pluger blade in addition to the

>> one that came with it.  I bought the $9.99 2 yr warranty

>> too.  It was $95 tax included, with all the extras.

>> 

>> I read a few reviews of the HF one, and basically it

>> was comparable in quality to the Rockwell.  People said

>> the old single speed was junk, but the variable was

>> very nice and they used it for tons of things.  Some

>> did have problems, but with the added warranty they

>> said they'd go that route because if something goes wrong

>> you just bring it in and grab a new one.  So for the

>> money, it was a good way to go.  The blades, incidentally,

>> say they're good for Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, and all of the

>> brands, so they must be very similar.  So if it works,

>> it should be good for me.  If I have any real positive

>> or negative comments I'll circle back and give them to

>> you.

>> 

>> I'm just glad the tub wasn't peach like Robins...but it

>> is an awful gold color from the 70's.  Resurfacing isn't

>> something I'd like, but Neil's idea of the axe makes

>> the project sound fun!

>> 

>> On the topic of RV-14...a couple have asked "Why?".

>> 

>> Well, I have a crystal ball.  My crystal ball tells

>> me that my kids will not want to travel with us when

>> they are 15-18 years old unless they have friends with

>> them.  We only have a 4-seat plane.  This gives us

>> 6 seats of capacity for X/C trips, with 2 planes

>> with similar speeds and ranges.  But, it does a couple

>> other things.... it gives the kids a plane to learn

>> in, it gives a fun plane for local flights, and it

>> gives me an aerobatic plane to play in.  It's a toy

>> plane, and one that I'm only planning to keep for

>> maybe 10 years.  It's "disposable".  My RV-10 will

>> probably never be sold.  This one I'll probably try

>> to get partners in, too.  So I won't be quite as

>> attached to this plane (I think), but it should be

>> a lot of fun!

>> 

>> Tim

>> \

> 

> 

>

Kellym

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1705
Location: Sun Lakes AZ

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2012 6:31 pm Post subject: Fiberglass Cutting - Vibrating tools

I imagine with your experience now, and no forming of parts, and all 

holes already final size, you can probably whip it out over the winter, eh?

Beats wasting time shoveling the driveway...just stay inside in the shop 

and telecommute to work when they NEED your expertise.



On 11/9/2012 2:16 PM, Tim Olson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 To circle back on the tool thing....I did end up getting the

 Harbor Freight tool.  I got it with a coupon for $34.99

 for the variable speed version, which does do 20K RPM.

 I also bought a diamond blade, a couple extra wood/metal

 circle blades, and a better pluger blade in addition to the

 one that came with it.  I bought the $9.99 2 yr warranty

 too.  It was $95 tax included, with all the extras.



 I read a few reviews of the HF one, and basically it

 was comparable in quality to the Rockwell.  People said

 the old single speed was junk, but the variable was

 very nice and they used it for tons of things.  Some

 did have problems, but with the added warranty they

 said they'd go that route because if something goes wrong

 you just bring it in and grab a new one.  So for the

 money, it was a good way to go.  The blades, incidentally,

 say they're good for Fein, Rockwell, Bosch, and all of the

 brands, so they must be very similar.  So if it works,

 it should be good for me.  If I have any real positive

 or negative comments I'll circle back and give them to

 you.



 I'm just glad the tub wasn't peach like Robins...but it

 is an awful gold color from the 70's.  Resurfacing isn't

 something I'd like, but Neil's idea of the axe makes

 the project sound fun!



 On the topic of RV-14...a couple have asked "Why?".



 Well, I have a crystal ball.  My crystal ball tells

 me that my kids will not want to travel with us when

 they are 15-18 years old unless they have friends with

 them.  We only have a 4-seat plane.  This gives us

 6 seats of capacity for X/C trips, with 2 planes

 with similar speeds and ranges.  But, it does a couple

 other things.... it gives the kids a plane to learn

 in, it gives a fun plane for local flights, and it

 gives me an aerobatic plane to play in.  It's a toy

 plane, and one that I'm only planning to keep for

 maybe 10 years.  It's "disposable".  My RV-10 will

 probably never be sold.  This one I'll probably try

 to get partners in, too.  So I won't be quite as

 attached to this plane (I think), but it should be

 a lot of fun!



 Tim


	


-----

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Kelly McMullen
A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor # 5286
KCHD

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