Proper saw for a z-cut

[Dave350]

Which saw is best for performing a z-cut on a fiberglass hull?

Thanks!

[wlambing]

I always have used a 3/4" deep X-acto razor saw. Super thin kerf. I use it on plastic kits, fiberglass, wood, and sometimes thin wall brass tube. I have mine plugged into the standard sized red X-acto handle.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Which saw is best for performing a z-cut on a fiberglass hull?

Thanks!

Carbide cut-off wheel (thin, unreinforced), or diamond wheel. Minimal kerf.

[Dave350]

That's great info thank you for your help guys...…..I was pondering using a saw I have at home, it is a Japanese flush cut saw its blade is .6mm or 0.024" thick and the teeth have a 0.05" spacing on them. Has anyone used one of these for the task?

Thanks again in advance!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

That's great info thank you for your help guys...…..I was pondering using a saw I have at home, it is a Japanese flush cut saw its blade is .6mm or 0.024" thick and the teeth have a 0.05" spacing on them. Has anyone used one of these for the task?

Thanks again in advance!

GRP is glass. It will tear that saw up in five strokes.

[Dave350]

Excellent point.....Thank you

[Bob Gato]

This is the saw-I use it on all my fiberglass boats-never a z-cut though...but jet pump intakes...deck hatch cutouts and gunnel shear trimming. I just plunge cut with the corner of the blade and once the corner is thru then the blade will self guide itself along the pencil mark with very little guidance. If you slip -it wont cut skin or soft items. It can be varied to oscillate at 10000-21000 OPS. Cuts wood, aluminum, all plastics, copper, brass, steel -very thin kerf and very little dust.(except when cutting drywall LOL) Note: the blade doesn't reciprocate -it oscillates .

[type7]

Most hobby shops carry Zona saws. They have a range of tooth sizes and are thinner and more flexible than exacto saw blades. You cut by pulling theblade so it is easier to get a straight line. Works well for doing the short cuts in fiberglass hulls and cutting the foam for ballast. I have quit making the cut at the front of the boat, just leave it straight at the water line, but do the back cut the same.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

This is the saw-I use it on all my fiberglass boats-never a z-cut though...but jet pump intakes...deck hatch cutouts and gunnel shear trimming. I just plunge cut with the corner of the blade and once the corner is thru then the blade will self guide itself along the pencil mark with very little guidance. If you slip -it wont cut skin or soft items. It can be varied to oscillate at 10000-21000 OPS. Cuts wood, aluminum, all plastics, copper, brass, steel -very thin kerf and very little dust.(except when cutting drywall LOL) Note: the blade doesn't reciprocate -it oscillates .

Note taken.

David

[Dave350]

Most hobby shops carry Zona saws. They have a range of tooth sizes and are thinner and more flexible than exacto saw blades. You cut by pulling theblade so it is easier to get a straight line. Works well for doing the short cuts in fiberglass hulls and cutting the foam for ballast. I have quit making the cut at the front of the boat, just leave it straight at the water line, but do the back cut the same.

I actually ordered a zona saw yesterday! Thank you sir

[QuarterMaster]

They found Dave's (HWSNBN) first saw.....

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

They found Dave's (HWSNBN) first saw.....

There's a very special place in Hell for smart-asses... Ed!