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[Wykenwizard]

Hi, this is my first post. I am located in Grimsby so as you might expect I have a prime interest in building model trawlers. I have in the past made them in various sizes with wood and even card. However, I have recently bought two kits. The first was the steam trawler “Sisapon” from Deans Marine. I found it reasonably easy to put together despite several anomalies in the instructions which I suspect could easily traumatise a complete novice. On the whole though it is a decent kit and I enjoyed building it immensely. My second kit, which I haven’t yet started is Calder Craft’s “Milford Star”. It looks on first inspection to be a decent kit, however, comparison between the plan and the GRP hull indicates that the top of the Hull needs trimming. There seems to be about 6mm of excess material. My question is, how best to trim it? I have various tools that I have considered, these being a Dremel with a cut off disk, a razor saw, or something I have used with much success ( a jewellers saw) for piercing halfpennies making cut outs to leave just the sailing ship. I am thinking that in terms of accuracy the jewellers saw with a spiral blade might be the best option, although I suspect it will take several hours. Does anyone have a better solution? I would be very grateful for any help regarding this issue or indeed any other issues I might encounter with this kit.

[craggle]

I have found the drum sanders on a Dremmel work very quickly. Glass fibre can be pretty abrasive stuff to cutting tools so the small, metal slitting wheels on the Dremmel probably wouldn't last that long.


Take it outside if you can and sand it away with the drum sander.


Craig.

[gingyer]

I use a surform
https://www.diy.com/departments/stanley-surform-block-plane/30195_BQ.prd


Simple easy to use and easier by far to control than a Dremel

[john44]

I use a multi tool with the half round saw blade fitted, the blade keeps you going in a straight line.
Small areas I use the narrow straight blade, but whatever you decide to use don't forget to use
a descent face mask.


John

[Martin (Admin)]

Blank n Decker mouse sander, starting off with a very course grade.

 ( Caution! Course grades tend to swear a lot! 😁 ) 

[Baldrick]

 I go with john.  A multitool with a fine semi circular blade would be my choice. Mine is li-on battery with a speed control which makes for a nice easy cut.

[Bob K]

I recently needed to cut a fibreglass hull in half.

I used a Dremel with diamond-dust rotary cutting disks.  It took two disks as they blunt fast on this stuff.
Made an excellent job.  Finished it off with a light dressing from a flat Surform.

[Wykenwizard]

Many thanks to everyone that responded to my query. I am happy to say that the hull is now trimmed successfully using the Dremel sanding drums. It worked perfectly well and allowed for a very accurate finish after finishing with a sanding block.

[Perkasaman2]

In my experience the hardest part of the trimming operation is the accurate marking out of the hull and it pays to first make a stand to hold the hull square and secure. I am allergic to grp dust.

[Subculture]

I use abrasive cutting wheels, then finish with Permagrit tools and sanding blocks.

[Neil]

if you own a jig saw that takes bosch blades use the bosch diamond tipped blades...……….they DON'T wear out.


http://www.diamondblades.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46_134&products_id=235&zenid=a64282af34f7c553c070106d8189e791