Cutting FRP -- how to keep down dust?

[dennis sexton]

Started setting up to make new panels today from FRP.
I used both a jig saw and the Harbor Freight multi-tool (the GMC tool) -- but dust was pretty heavy.

Any tips for keeping down the dust when using these cutting tools? Would taping over the cut line be of help?

Thanks,
Dennis
--
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Germantown, TN

 

[mike teets]

I found it easier, quicker and cleaner to use offset tin snips to cut it
instead of power tools.

On Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 7:06 PM, Dennis Sexton wrote:

>
>
> Started setting up to make new panels today from FRP.
> I used both a jig saw and the Harbor Freight multi-tool (the GMC tool) --
> but dust was pretty heavy.
>
> Any tips for keeping down the dust when using these cutting tools? Would
> taping over the cut line be of help?
>
> Thanks,
> Dennis
> --
> Dennis S
> 73 Painted Desert 230
> Germantown, TN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

 

[dennis sexton]

Thank you Mike.
When I used various tools for my trial cuts I used offset-snips. They seemed to chip pieces along the edge -- and I was unsure how well I could hold a straight edge for the long panels -- Not sure about the cut radius for the window panels.
But, I may trial more tomorrow.

The multi-tool was great for plunge cutting and making the roof vent opening.

Any other tips or experiences would be appreciated.

Dennis


> I found it easier, quicker and cleaner to use offset tin snips to cut it
> instead of power tools.
>
> On Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 7:06 PM, Dennis Sexton wrote:
> \> Started setting up to make new panels today from FRP.
> > I used both a jig saw and the Harbor Freight multi-tool (the GMC tool) --
> > but dust was pretty heavy.
> >
> > Any tips for keeping down the dust when using these cutting tools? Would
> > taping over the cut line be of help?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Dennis
> > --
> > Dennis S
> > 73 Painted Desert 230
> > Germantown, TN


--
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Germantown, TN

 

[armand minnie]

Hi Dennis, I am pretty sure that I used my jig saw to cut the FRP and don't remember any big dust problem. Maybe you are using too fine a blade?
--
Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II
TZE166V103202
http://www.minniebiz.com/gmcmotorhome
use the forum - it's easy

 

[gworobec]

If you are talking about the frp grey 1/16" sheet that Lowes and HD sell you
might think about using a Formica cutter for the straight areas. You just
score the stuff with the carbide tip and it snaps pretty easily.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Armand Minnie"
To:
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 8:23 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Cutting FRP -- how to keep down dust?

>
>
> Hi Dennis, I am pretty sure that I used my jig saw to cut the FRP and
> don't remember any big dust problem. Maybe you are using too fine a
> blade?
> --
> Armand Minnie
> Marana, AZ
> '76 Eleganza II
> TZE166V103202
> http://www.minniebiz.com/gmcmotorhome
> use the forum - it's easy
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

 

[Ken H.]

Dennis,

The HF electric shear does a great job on FRP, just as on sheet metal. It
will cut a pretty tight radius and, since a guide mark is always visible,
you can cut very precisely with it, straight or curved lines. Worth far
more than the $39.95 I paid for mine.

Ken H.

>
>
> Started setting up to make new panels today from FRP.
> I used both a jig saw and the Harbor Freight multi-tool (the GMC tool) --
> but dust was pretty heavy.
>
> Any tips for keeping down the dust when using these cutting tools? Would
> taping over the cut line be of help?
>
>

 

[Ron Clark]

How about an assistant with a Shop Vac? I don't remember if I used a 24
or a 32 tooth blade on the jig saw, but it didn't make real dust, more
like very small chips. The GMC tool makes real dust. That blade action
is almost like a sander.

RonC

On Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:06:13 -0600 Dennis Sexton
writes:
>
> Any tips for keeping down the dust when using these cutting tools?
> Would taping over the cut line be of help?
>
> Thanks,
> Dennis
> --
> Dennis S
> 73 Painted Desert 230
> Germantown, TN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN

 

[dennis sexton]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I think I will use the jig saw for the curves -- with a 24 tpi blade and try having the shop vac follow my cut line.
When at HF I will look at the sheet metal nippers as well.

Dennis


> Started setting up to make new panels today from FRP.
> I used both a jig saw and the Harbor Freight multi-tool (the GMC tool) -- but dust was pretty heavy.
>
> Any tips for keeping down the dust when using these cutting tools? Would taping over the cut line be of help?
>
> Thanks,
> Dennis


--
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Germantown, TN

 

[hardie johnson]

Wear a mask as you cut, don't want to get the nose and lungs full of glass fibers, eh?
--
Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC

 

[howard and sue]

Question
How can the rats live that made a nest out of the fiber glass in our GMC?
Howard
PS Our son works in the heating/AC business
His guys spray WD-40 on their arms to cut the itching down?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Hardie Johnson"
To:
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 10:23
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Cutting FRP -- how to keep down dust?

>
>
> Wear a mask as you cut, don't want to get the nose and lungs full of glass
> fibers, eh?
> --
> Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
> 1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
> Raleigh NC
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

 

[a.]

> Question
> How can the rats live that made a nest out of the fiber glass in our GMC?
> Howard
Rats are used to itching, what with fleas and all. The mother rat might have deliberately picked something uncomfortable to make sure the offspring move out as soon as they are able. We could learn something from the lowly rat.
--
'73 23' CanyonLands
UA (Upper Alabama)

 

[robert mueller]

A,

BRILLIANT!

Or parents could handle it the way my Dad did; when I graduated high school he me three choices:

1) I go to college and he'd pay.
2) I join the military.
3) I get a job and move out. "I'm done supporting you."

I took door 2) which disappointed him as he wanted me to get a college education. Years later he noted that I had done pretty good
for myself without one.

I noted that Uncle Sam had paid for enough college for me to be able to hold a civil conversation on most subjects and that the
USAF taught me a trade that I parlayed into a pretty good career at Hamilton Standard!

Regards,
Rob M

PS - I would be nice if you would include at least a first name in your signature, referring to you as "A" in the salutation seems a
bit disrespectful to me.

-----Original Message-----
From: A.

> Question
> How can the rats live that made a nest out of the fiber glass in our GMC?
> Howard
Rats are used to itching, what with fleas and all. The mother rat might have deliberately picked something uncomfortable to make
sure the offspring move out as soon as they are able. We could learn something from the lowly rat.
--
'73 23' CanyonLands
UA (Upper Alabama)

 

[robert mueller]

Howard,

I just downloaded a copy of the MSDS for WD-40 and found this information:

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. DANGEROUS GOODS. According to NOHSC Criteria, and ADG Code.

RISK
Flammable
Irritating to skin
Risk of explosion if heated under
Repeated exposure may cause skin
Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness

SAFETY
Avoid contact with skin
Wear suitable gloves
To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this confinement. material, use water and detergent
If swallowed, IMMEDIATELY contact Doctor or Poisons dryness and cracking. Information Centre. (show this container or label)
This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste

Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES

SKIN
If solids or aerosol mists are deposited upon the skin:
Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available)
Remove any adhering solids with industrial skin cleansing cream
DO NOT use solvents
Seek medical attention in the event of irritation

The way I read your note below is that your son owns / runs the business and it's the guys that work for him that spray themselves
with WD-40. I'm no lawyer but I think it might be a good idea if he prints out the MSDS and attaches it to a letter instructing his
workers NOT to do it and have each one of them sign it below a statement that they understand the dangers of doing so and that they
will stop spraying themselves.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Howard and Sue

Question
How can the rats live that made a nest out of the fiber glass in our GMC?
Howard
PS Our son works in the heating/AC business
His guys spray WD-40 on their arms to cut the itching down?

 

[a.]

> A,
>
> BRILLIANT!
>
> Or parents could handle it the way my Dad did; when I graduated high school he me three choices:
>
> 1) I go to college and he'd pay.
> 2) I join the military.
> 3) I get a job and move out. "I'm done supporting you."
>
> I took door 2) which disappointed him as he wanted me to get a college education. Years later he noted that I had done pretty good for myself without one.
I chose option 1. With a private scholarship the first semester and an AF scholarship the last two years it proved to be a bargain by today's standards.Quote:
> I noted that Uncle Sam had paid for enough college for me to be able to hold a civil conversation on most subjects and that the USAF taught me a trade that I parlayed into a pretty good career at Hamilton Standard!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M
>
> PS - I would be nice if you would include at least a first name in your signature, referring to you as "A" in the salutation seems a bit disrespectful to me.
My dad's first name was A. His middle name was O. He was the youngest in a houseful of kids, They apparently ran out of names by the time he came along. I understand the discomfort with "A" but I have been called worse. If it makes you (and anyone else) feel more comfortable, use the first four letters of my email address.
--
'73 23' CanyonLands
UA (Upper Alabama)

 

[robert mueller]

Mark,

Thanks!

As the old line goes; "call me anything you like just not late for supper!" ;-)

Regards,
Rob

-----Original Message-----
From: A.

My dad's first name was A. His middle name was O. He was the youngest in a houseful of kids, They apparently ran out of names by
the time he came along. I understand the discomfort with "A" but I have been called worse. If it makes you (and anyone else) feel
more comfortable, use the first four letters of my email address.