Has anyone used an electric cutout saw?

[2tonevalk]

I am wanting to take 4 inches off my Memphis Shades.  I was thinking a cut out saw would give a smoother more controlled cut.  Has anyone used one for this purpose?  How did it fair?
Thanks for your comments in advance.
Ride safe
Robert

[f6john]

I am wanting to take 4 inches off my Memphis Shades.  I was thinking a cut out saw would give a smoother more controlled cut.  Has anyone used one for this purpose?  How did it fair?
Thanks for your comments in advance.
Ride safe
Robert

Not sure what you mean by "cut out" saw?

[Bob E.]

We used a regular jig-saw to cut down my dad's windshield on his 'wing while we were waiting for the replacement to come off of back-order (2+ months!!).

[2tonevalk]

A wall cut out tool.  Uses a "drill bit" type cutting bit that cuts side ways basically like a router.

[thewoodman]

I've done a few windshield trims, but unless you have a very solid guide to control wjere you want the rotary blade to go, you'd be better off with a slow running jig saw following the mark over tape. The roto-zip tool runs - screams at what ? / 30,000 rpm / if it gets away from you, it can cause some real expensive chips

[f6john]

I've done a few windshield trims, but unless you have a very solid guide to control wjere you want the rotary blade to go, you'd be better off with a slow running jig saw following the mark over tape. The roto-zip tool runs - screams at what ? / 30,000 rpm / if it gets away from you, it can cause some real expensive chips

Oh yea, what he said!

[Crazyhorse]

A jig saw will do the job but if you have access to a bandsaw I have found that it works the best. With a jig saw you have the up and down motion and I have had a shield to crack while cutting it but the bandsaw gives you a continuious flow in one direction and will carry the residue away from the shield. Like was said above make sure you tape off the area where you plan to make your cut. I also wrapped my shield with news paper and made sure there was nothing on the table that would scratch it. Once your cut is made you can use a block of wood with fine sandpaper to clean up the cut.
Crazyhorse

[Grandpot]

Cut with a sabre saw. Put masking tape on the area to be cut.  Make sure the tape is wide enough to protect the surrounding area from the sole plate of the saw.  Make a good guide line on the tape so you can cut the exact shape you need.  Run the saw blade slowly.  If you run the blade too fast it will heat up and melt the plexiglass or lexan directly behind the blade and weld it back together.  Be patient and hold your mouth just right.

[PharmBoy]

Ditto on what Doctor J said and I always use a new metal cutting saw blade with about 24 teeth per inch.  Run the saber saw at a slow rpm and do not hurry.  Let the saw cut at its own pace and concentrate on keeping the blade on the line.  Cuts down on a lot of sanding if the curve is continuous without any wiggles in the cut.  A good cut sure does save a lot of time in the long run.  Also, I always put masking tape on the bottom of the saber saw as well as the windshield.  It makes the saw slide smoother... JTL

[Kingbee]

i agree on the jigsaw, but when I pulled the masking tape off my Hondaline shield, it pulled the protective layer with it.... 

[Michvalk]

I used my dremmel tool with a cardboard template. Made a template in the shape I wanted and taped it to the shield. Then I used a cutoff wheel to make the cut. Fairly fast and hardly any cleanup. But it is more like freehand cuting as there is really no guide to use. I basicly followed the original shape and cut 4 inches off the top. Turned out real nice.

[flatsixrider]

Robert, I used exactly what you are mentioning and as stated, only a good idea if you have a good guide or template.  Mine worked, but it isn't the best job ever and I am certain next time I would seek out a band saw.   

[Spirited-6]

i agree on the jigsaw, but when I pulled the masking tape off my Hondaline shield, it pulled the protective layer with it.... 

I use painters tape, BLUE, does not stick as much. I used jigsaw with fine blade when I installed a vent in my OEM Tourer Shield. Came out great. 

[aslondon]

Ditto what Doctor_J said - particularly the part about holding your mouth just right

Al

[Big IV]

slow and steady is the key. slow and steady.