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Need to cut up an old hot tub shell (fiberglass). What's best to use?

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July 26, 2021, 08:20 AM
RogB
Need to cut up an old hot tub shell (fiberglass). What's best to use?
Installed shell as sunroom being built, so no problem getting it inside. All support equipment in garage, shell was carried in by two guys so it's not the weight but now that sunroom built no way to carry it out.

After all plumbing connections are cut and circuit breaker turned off it'll need to be broken up. What tool would be best? Thinking maybe a Sawzall but not sure.

Any recommendations welcomed!


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July 26, 2021, 08:30 AM
220-9er
We had one removed from a deck and I think the guy used a carbide tipped skill saw mostly.


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July 26, 2021, 08:31 AM
goose5
Most important tool is a respirator. You don't want to breath any of that stuff.


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July 26, 2021, 08:37 AM
darthfuster
Maybe a sawzall with a demo blade...



You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier
July 26, 2021, 08:43 AM
Skins2881
Roger, if you need someone to haul the pieces off let me know. I have a buddy that has super reasonable rates for hauling junk.



Jesse

Sic Semper Tyrannis
July 26, 2021, 08:48 AM
BOATTRASH1
Wear a respirator, not one of those stupid dust masks. Wear a double filter type.
Also wear some safety goggles.
July 26, 2021, 08:54 AM
MattW
Taken many tubs/showers out. Sawzall will go right through it. As mentioned, don’t forget your PPE.
July 26, 2021, 09:00 AM
F_L
I have cut up quite a few boats for disposal. My favorites tools are a skilsaw and right angle grinder with diamond blades. Small kerf means less dust.
July 26, 2021, 09:08 AM
selogic
quote:
Originally posted by MattW:
Taken many tubs/showers out. Sawzall will go right through it. As mentioned, don’t forget your PPE.
I demo'd a fiberglass shower two weeks ago . Nothing better than a Sawzall for that kind of work . A GOOD dustmask and eye protection at a minimum . You'll be amazed at how quick it goes .
July 26, 2021, 09:13 AM
RogueJSK
Yep. Sawzall (aka "reciprocating saw"). I've removed and chopped up several fiberglass tub/shower inserts over the years using that.
July 26, 2021, 09:24 AM
BOATTRASH1
Forgot to add, I’d wear a tyvek suit with a hood also. I hate fiberglass cutting…
July 26, 2021, 12:27 PM
Ripley
^^^^
Or clothes you don't want to wear again.




Set the controls for the heart of the Sun.
July 26, 2021, 02:56 PM
RogB
quote:
Originally posted by Skins2881:
Roger, if you need someone to haul the pieces off let me know. I have a buddy that has super reasonable rates for hauling junk.


Thanks Jesse, good to know!


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NRA Life Member
Member Isaac Walton League

I wouldn't let anyone do to me what I've done to myself
July 26, 2021, 03:06 PM
sigmonkey
quote:
Originally posted by BOATTRASH1:
Forgot to add, I’d wear a tyvek suit with a hood also. I hate fiberglass cutting…


Yep. Full suit, disposable booties, gloves tape everything closed. Respirator toss filters.

I have a terrible reaction to fiberglass dust, even using angle grinder and cutoff wheels on steel and iron, the dust will make me itch for a week. Tried the "baby powder dusting" used duct tape and nearly pulled every hair off my body.

The only thing is to avoid the job, or "gear up MOPP IV".




"the meaning of life, is to give life meaning" Ani Yehudi אני יהודי Le'olam lo shuv לעולם לא שוב!
July 26, 2021, 03:30 PM
Mustang-PaPa
Was a glass man for one of the leading fiberglass tank Mfg in the US for years and it ain't fun and nothing stops the itching but a day at the lake.
I would use a saws all to cut. If conditions allow a little stream of water might knock the dust down.
If water won't work try a shop vac. What ever dust you can trap will make clean-up a little easier.
You can suit up but whatever you us is only good for one dressing as you'll end up with dust at the wrist, neck and waist.
You will regret using a cutting blade/grinder if that's the rout you have to use.
The sawzall will be the least dusty.
July 26, 2021, 03:37 PM
limblessbiff
Like everyone else is saying a sawzall with a respirator, but for shits and giggles I was playing with my plasma cutter once and it actually worked on a fiber glass basketball hoop backer board. So there’s that too..
July 26, 2021, 06:13 PM
Rightwire
Tannerite? Abandoned gravel pit?




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July 26, 2021, 07:59 PM
oldbill123
Cut fiberglass edges are sharp
July 26, 2021, 08:15 PM
goose5
quote:
Originally posted by limblessbiff:
Like everyone else is saying a sawzall with a respirator, but for shits and giggles I was playing with my plasma cutter once and it actually worked on a fiber glass basketball hoop backer board. So there’s that too..


How did you complete the circuit on fiber glass?


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OH, Bonnie McMurray!
July 26, 2021, 09:17 PM
rburg
Hire someone else to do it. Cheap at whatever cost.


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