I'm going to be cutting into my console to fit a switch for a bilge pump this weekend so due to the freezing temperatures we have been getting recently, is GRP harder to cut and does it become more brittle in these conditions. Would I be better heating the area to be cut first with a hair dryer.
Definately affects cureing and drying of newly made Fibreglass, as does humidity,but I dont see it giveing problems when cutting out fully cured stuff.Unless, you're doing outside... and cant keep your hands steady!
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I would'nt worry to much if the temp is above freezing - too bl##bly cold to be working if it is below
As you know GRP is a composite of glass fibre and in the most cases the "p" is polyester. The glass will certainly not be effected as will the polyester which in this case is thermosetting and already hard and not the thermoplastic variant which is a lot more temperature sensitive.
Applying heat will do very little as any heat gain will be losted in no time
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If it went brittle in the cold most dinghy club "icebreaker" regattas would result in some very dead dinghies.
If you think there's a chance it will break / craze etc, stick some gaffer oops - sorry, it's not a Searider - I mean masking tape over where you are drilling (like drilling tiles) andthat should stop any crazing of the gelcoat.
Temp won't be a problem. Round or square hole, what size?
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