They also make carving discs that are basically round chainsaws for your angle grinder which might do a better job of chewing up that much wood. It would be a little safer but you get points for badassness.
I use one of these "Kutzall 4-1/2" Shaping Disc, Very Coarse" for cleaning off the remnants. Cuts wood fast and glass slow, so very helpful. Cuts jeans and skin fast (have the scare on my knee to prove it) to so be sure to put the accessory handle on for control.
Ha ha, that was a common tool used by framers and especially roofers in state of WA. In particular roofers since while they did have portable battery saws, they really did not cut it for using with larger beams and cuts through bigger timbers. Chain saws seemed to be the tool of choice for all roofers and it was actually quite amazing at how precise there cuts could be with such a rough tool. Experience
Your Fein is still King! BUT, you have an old one (so do I), the new ones are just amazing and they've made blade exchanges SO much easier. It is a bit bigger, which isn't always good. Oh, I just noticed you're following with a vacuum, the new ones have much better dust control. Andy, it might be an upgrade worth your while to upgrade. Isn't that a ring nail. You know, that nail might have come from a previous use in a house? That they used Chip Board doesn't bode well for the quality of their repair. What a shootty job...it really sucks to have to do this kind of tear out. Great idea on the Chain saw...you're very good with it.
Wow, a chain saw to do that, just had to do that to my transom, did not want to cut the fiberglass at all! 18 inches down and in, 3/4 slot, slide in new glassed ply wood, turned out perfect, but a lot of time and templets ! Lol, yours is looking good and common along! Keep it up
You know, seeing you with the chain saw gave me an idea! There is a de barker attachment that goes on a chainsaw bar. I’m thinking the next wood transom I have to tear out I might but one and give it a go! I hate tearing out wood!
Just been going back over some of you older vids, someone mentioned outward opening door, but although you liked it, you weren't sure, what about lift off hinges, if it's rainy etc, door would generally be closed, but on a sunny day, lift off the door and stow it ;) Also, if you hotglue soething together, then later undo it, use a heatgun and scraper to remove most of it before sanding
Excellent video! It's nice that you share the real world elements that often get in the way of progress. That's reality in the same manner that many of my projects are compromised and finding the way forward is the challenge that requires inventive solutions and creative ideas. That's an important part of what you offer in many of your channel videos and I do appreciate that part of how you work to keep the integrity of each project an honest reflection of such circumstances. Well done ✔!
Andy, thanks so much for all the information you share. I love boats, and my friends call me a boat hoarder or sorts. lol. I have quite a few fiberglass boats I enjoy and want to bring back to life. I just got my first order of total boat products that was just over $600 thanks to your recommendation. Cant wait to start working on my vintage Glastron Carlsons and even my 1964 Crosby. Hope you are having a great fourth weekend.
The Carlsons are very good lookin boat , I like seeing these old boats restored , I'm restoring 79 checkmate predictor , but I'm building it for speed , should be in 90s , shootin for 100
I wish there was a quicker way for you to demo that man! When I redid my transom I pulled the deck and stringers and replaced everything with coosa. Took me all summer. I was second guessing that decision but now I'm glad I did.
hey mate, if you ever encounter such a removal again, try the arbotech power chisel, material removal rate is not particularly amazing, but its a lot less painful then chiseling by hand... and by the way if you want your fine blades to last even longer then the hm stuff, the bathroom tile blades stand pretty well the test of glass ;) love your work
I keep a $25 craigslist electric chainsaw on hand at all times for projects just like this - and if I only get “one use” from the saw, I’m not heartbroken (but they are actually quite durable).
A 1/4" shank rotary wood rasp bit on a die grinder should fit down into the bottom of transom. They come in different shapes and angles and should do the trick. Buy wherever they sell wood tools.
That’s the same type of tool I used to cut stringers out of an old Four Winns Horizon. Great for cutting through fiberglass, and with the right blade, cutting through fasteners they used at the factory when they built the stringer system. One thing I used on that boat to cut fiberglass apart was a 5” concrete cutting blade for an angle grinder. That was great for getting through a lot of glass in a small amount of time. You just had to be VERY CAREFUL using it, or else it’d bite through the hull..... Don’t ask me how I know that.....
are you confident in your acetone/degreaser getting the bar/chain oil completely cleaned up from the chainsaw? Worried about contaminating your repair adhesion??
Hi Andy, I might be a bit late with this one but have you thought of dissolving the wood in acid which shouldn't affect the fibreglass, neutralise with alkaline water and clean up with wet & dry vac? Keep up the good work,cheers,from Aus!
You might try a small (9/16 inch) hole saw on a drill to cut out plugs and then use your oscillating tool with a small blade to cut away sections. Additionally, the sawzall with a scraper blade may help as well.
Hi Andy, great work on this project. The wood in your transom didn't seem all that bad compared to my project where all the wood came out as dust so you are dealing with much more work. There is no reason to condemn any action that produces results (chainsaw) or wheel of death which almost cost me a finger not so long ago but It appears to me that a toekick saw might have cleaned out that track similarly to the chainsaw. Have you seen one? Just a thought for future reference. I opted to access the core on my transom from the outside, I was able to cut the skin so that I can reinstall it instead of having to lay up a whole new one. It seemed to be easier than working inside the bilge.
First time I have made a comment, so forgive my mistake. You could try a die grinder. They are designed for metal, but have used it on wood and works well. You can get a number of different shaped bits which is an advantage. Good luck, it’s looking good and I enjoy your videos.
For your consideration, I had a similar challenge and used a Dremel rotary tool with a long rough diamond bit, I felt like a dentist and you would be surprised how much material can be removed in such tight spaces.
I was going to kid with you about the wheel of death. Having seen Louis S. use his I could only guess at the number of ways things could go south. Stay safe.
When I used to work on boats for a living I always made sure when removing a transom to have an air compressor so I could use and air chisel and I would always start by cutting the glass in squares and working from the bottom up. Always wear gloves 😂
I enjoy watching your channel and I learn things about fiberglass. But...I hope I never have to use the chainsaw technique. I'm sure you said already, tell me again why it's better to keep the outside glass of the transom rather than slice off the back of the boat and make the transom from all new?
Just curious why you didn't just cut out the whole transom. Inside and outside fiberglass and go back with all new? I'm not a fiberglass expert lol. I'm just learning from you.
Question - in some of your videos, you use Adtech p-14 filler. I can't seem to find the product anymore, is there a substitute you would suggest? Thanks!
I wonder if just a die grinder would have been good to get the wood out of that channel, or even just for the remnants after the chainsaw. Not the fastest, but it sounds like it was slow going anyway. Amazing work.
Hey Andy! As always I love your shows and I must say that's some fine chainsaw work although definitely a risky endeavor! Last time I saw a saw run in a tight spot like that it was in my hands! Lol
This may seem like a crazy idea but to get to those parts that you’re having issue with have you thought about a pressure washer with the stream nozzle since you’re replacing all that anyway you don’t have to worry about the moisture and I’m not sure if it would go through fiberglass but it might be worth a shot
Try a straight router bit & a dremel tool to remove that last bit of plywood. It will probably wreck the bit but the price of a few bits is a lot less than the price of your time fighting with it.
When you were using the chainsaw to remove the old core, were you still finding the core to be wet/doughy? It appears to have the discoloration, it looks good to have all the old wood out. That Coosa is going to look SO good.
Unfortunately it's not just a shirt, it's a full body long underwear suit and it's 90F outside lol ;-)!! Might have to just get a red t-shirt for Summer :-)
A bit late for a suggestion. I would have used a air hammer with a custom wide chisel blade. 200 strokes per minute will accomplish quite a bit and save your shoulders. Again IMHO!
"Skilsaw & Chainsaw", a boat builders guide... hey only one nicked finger, well done! Remember plenty of ice for the shoulder(s) & "brain bandaids"(beer), haha, viewers guide!
One thing I have to ask, Andy. Wouldn’t it have been easier to just cut the whole transom out from the exterior of the boat, build the transom, screw it to the stringers, glass the outside, then glass the inside?
Andy I am sure you Will have an emergency room trip for stuff in your eyes soon, Took me TWO TIMES at emergency to realize. Do not mean to be dramatic but I love your skill and videos. Yes I realize maybe it is for filming sometimes, just let us know that !
I've got an idea for removing the rest of that wood! Soak it in gasoline and light it with a match! Seriously, though, I thought the chainsaw was a joke but it was effective! I joke about doing surgery with a chainsaw and you, by golly, did it. I completely agree with you about those chain discs for an angle grinder. I've done serious damage to my thumb with a standard cut off wheel in a grinder - there's no way in the world I would even buy one of those chainsaw blades for a grinder. The RPMs are just too high and there's too much energy in it when something goes sideways. Keep going - you'll get it!
in the time it took you to remove all the wood, you could have cut the whole transom out and maybe have replaced already.... we did that on a grady-white and worked great
Chainsaw or the "spinning wheel of death"? Chain saw every time thank you. Those carving disks can be absolutely evil * looks at slightly truncated left index finger * (I didn't even feel it or notice it until blood began dripping from the torn tips of the double gloves I was wearing)
An air hammer .. often used in auto exhaust system removal or a small assortment of chisels work wonders and is inexpensive. Will save a lot of grinding as well.
You can sharpen those blades with a small file. Use a file though, a rotary tool may loose the temper of the steel if your not careful. I've heard of chainsaw transom repairs. Crazy...
Throw the chainsaw wheel of death away. Stumpy Nubs UA-cam channel, got seriously injured from that thing, cut his tenons on his ring finger. You could look into the Industrial Wood Carver from Arbortech should be a safer option to cut similarly to the chainsaw wheel.
Your tenaciousness and desire to get it perfect is exemplary. Thank you.
They also make carving discs that are basically round chainsaws for your angle grinder which might do a better job of chewing up that much wood. It would be a little safer but you get points for badassness.
He had one out
On my project I was able to get into there with a scraper/chisel bit on the sawzall. I also used a longer chisel bit on my impact hammer.
I use one of these "Kutzall 4-1/2" Shaping Disc, Very Coarse" for cleaning off the remnants. Cuts wood fast and glass slow, so very helpful. Cuts jeans and skin fast (have the scare on my knee to prove it) to so be sure to put the accessory handle on for control.
Ha ha, that was a common tool used by framers and especially roofers in state of WA. In particular roofers since while they did have portable battery saws, they really did not cut it for using with larger beams and cuts through bigger timbers. Chain saws seemed to be the tool of choice for all roofers and it was actually quite amazing at how precise there cuts could be with such a rough tool. Experience
Happy you are on the Bertram again.
Your Fein is still King! BUT, you have an old one (so do I), the new ones are just amazing and they've made blade exchanges SO much easier. It is a bit bigger, which isn't always good. Oh, I just noticed you're following with a vacuum, the new ones have much better dust control. Andy, it might be an upgrade worth your while to upgrade. Isn't that a ring nail. You know, that nail might have come from a previous use in a house? That they used Chip Board doesn't bode well for the quality of their repair. What a shootty job...it really sucks to have to do this kind of tear out. Great idea on the Chain saw...you're very good with it.
Wow, a chain saw to do that, just had to do that to my transom, did not want to cut the fiberglass at all! 18 inches down and in, 3/4 slot, slide in new glassed ply wood, turned out perfect, but a lot of time and templets ! Lol, yours is looking good and common along! Keep it up
Those multi-function oscillating tool is great because it is less dangerous to the operator and is kicking up far less dust than tools that spin.
You know, seeing you with the chain saw gave me an idea! There is a de barker attachment that goes on a chainsaw bar. I’m thinking the next wood transom I have to tear out I might but one and give it a go! I hate tearing out wood!
Just been going back over some of you older vids, someone mentioned outward opening door, but although you liked it, you weren't sure, what about lift off hinges, if it's rainy etc, door would generally be closed, but on a sunny day, lift off the door and stow it ;)
Also, if you hotglue soething together, then later undo it, use a heatgun and scraper to remove most of it before sanding
I love that vibrator saw too! It’s so cool how it will not cut you!
I would have never thought of The chain saw idea
a perfect example of why you should wear wrk gloves when cutting or grinding. it saves a lot of pain and aggravation
I really like it when you bring out the precision boat repair tools. Looks like it is almost angle grinder time.
Excellent video! It's nice that you share the real world elements that often get in the way of progress. That's reality in the same manner that many of my projects are compromised and finding the way forward is the challenge that requires inventive solutions and creative ideas. That's an important part of what you offer in many of your channel videos and I do appreciate that part of how you work to keep the integrity of each project an honest reflection of such circumstances. Well done ✔!
Andy, thanks so much for all the information you share. I love boats, and my friends call me a boat hoarder or sorts. lol. I have quite a few fiberglass boats I enjoy and want to bring back to life. I just got my first order of total boat products that was just over $600 thanks to your recommendation. Cant wait to start working on my vintage Glastron Carlsons and even my 1964 Crosby. Hope you are having a great fourth weekend.
The Carlsons are very good lookin boat , I like seeing these old boats restored , I'm restoring 79 checkmate predictor , but I'm building it for speed , should be in 90s , shootin for 100
I had to chuckle when you got out the chainsaw. You should have said, "Here hold my beer".
Love your videos Andy.
I wish there was a quicker way for you to demo that man! When I redid my transom I pulled the deck and stringers and replaced everything with coosa. Took me all summer. I was second guessing that decision but now I'm glad I did.
How did I not discover your channel until now!? Love the content and I'm power watching every episode to get caught up.
hey mate, if you ever encounter such a removal again, try the arbotech power chisel, material removal rate is not particularly amazing, but its a lot less painful then chiseling by hand... and by the way if you want your fine blades to last even longer then the hm stuff, the bathroom tile blades stand pretty well the test of glass ;) love your work
I keep a $25 craigslist electric chainsaw on hand at all times for projects just like this - and if I only get “one use” from the saw, I’m not heartbroken (but they are actually quite durable).
Harbor Freight, my guilty pleasure!
A 1/4" shank rotary wood rasp bit on a die grinder should fit down into the bottom of transom. They come in different shapes and angles and should do the trick. Buy wherever they sell wood tools.
That’s the same type of tool I used to cut stringers out of an old Four Winns Horizon. Great for cutting through fiberglass, and with the right blade, cutting through fasteners they used at the factory when they built the stringer system. One thing I used on that boat to cut fiberglass apart was a 5” concrete cutting blade for an angle grinder. That was great for getting through a lot of glass in a small amount of time. You just had to be VERY CAREFUL using it, or else it’d bite through the hull..... Don’t ask me how I know that.....
Every boat restorer needs a 10 lb fine adjustment chain saw!
Don't give up buddy, for me you're still the best out there. As always great video!
Why do people still hit the thumbs down on videos like this?? Maybe someone who done it could explain it to me.
I don’t have a saws all but I do have a chainsaw
Scraper blade on saws all works great for taking the wood off the glass.
What about a die grinder with a rasp bit?
are you confident in your acetone/degreaser getting the bar/chain oil completely cleaned up from the chainsaw? Worried about contaminating your repair adhesion??
Hi Andy, I might be a bit late with this one but have you thought of dissolving the wood in acid which shouldn't affect the fibreglass, neutralise with alkaline water and clean up with wet & dry vac? Keep up the good work,cheers,from Aus!
The chances of hitting a nail exponentially increase as a function of how new the blade is. Newer blade = Near Certainty
You might try a small (9/16 inch) hole saw on a drill to cut out plugs and then use your oscillating tool with a small blade to cut away sections. Additionally, the sawzall with a scraper blade may help as well.
Chainsaw is always a good idea. As well as 30kg fine-tuning sledgehammer.
Hi Andy, great work on this project. The wood in your transom didn't seem all that bad compared to my project where all the wood came out as dust so you are dealing with much more work. There is no reason to condemn any action that produces results (chainsaw) or wheel of death which almost cost me a finger not so long ago but It appears to me that a toekick saw might have cleaned out that track similarly to the chainsaw. Have you seen one? Just a thought for future reference. I opted to access the core on my transom from the outside, I was able to cut the skin so that I can reinstall it instead of having to lay up a whole new one. It seemed to be easier than working inside the bilge.
On the multi tool....Brand is not irrelevant. I have had my Fein for over 20 years. Everyone else who has another type has been through several. :)
First time I have made a comment, so forgive my mistake.
You could try a die grinder. They are designed for metal, but have used it on wood and works well. You can get a number of different shaped bits which is an advantage.
Good luck, it’s looking good and I enjoy your videos.
For your consideration, I had a similar challenge and used a Dremel rotary tool with a long rough diamond bit, I felt like a dentist and you would be surprised how much material can be removed in such tight spaces.
The Tercoo Rotating Blaster is usually used on steel but might work in this application.
I was going to kid with you about the wheel of death. Having seen Louis S. use his I could only guess at the number of ways things could go south. Stay safe.
When he brought out the chainsaw I thought about the wheel of death but after the finger incident. Being scared is what keeps us alive.
When I used to work on boats for a living I always made sure when removing a transom to have an air compressor so I could use and air chisel and I would always start by cutting the glass in squares and working from the bottom up. Always wear gloves 😂
Keep giving it hell! Hard work but it will
Be worth it
Have thought about a stump remover? Please use legs covers, gloves and eye protection with the chain saw.
What about a small auger/hole borer in a flexible shaft chuck on a power drill? you could then chop between them.
The tune at 10:53 always makes me happy, even if I’m a Stihl guy.
But... Husqvarna made motorbikes. So big H for me. Sorry to Stihl your thunder.
I enjoy watching your channel and I learn things about fiberglass. But...I hope I never have to use the chainsaw technique. I'm sure you said already, tell me again why it's better to keep the outside glass of the transom rather than slice off the back of the boat and make the transom from all new?
I can see a lot of guys cutting up their boats trying to copy that!! Precise surgical transom removal with a chainsaw😅 Awesome 👏
Just curious why you didn't just cut out the whole transom. Inside and outside fiberglass and go back with all new? I'm not a fiberglass expert lol. I'm just learning from you.
so the deck remains! happy 4th buddy!
Question - in some of your videos, you use Adtech p-14 filler. I can't seem to find the product anymore, is there a substitute you would suggest? Thanks!
Chainsaw!! Sorted!!! 👍👍👍
Hah I had a good laugh when you brought out the chainsaw. Seemed to work pretty well.
An air chisel with a flat tip works great for taking off wood
I never knew that Husqvarna made a Transom saw.
7:10 - Looks like a ring shank nail
8:20 - Ohhhhhhh i seeee. LOL
Wheel of death! Hahaha. I have one and that's a great description. I make wooden bowels with mine
Btw plz tell me you disabled the Oiler when you used that chainsaw cause we all know bar oil and fiberglass probably won’t work to well
I'd try one of the long multi-tool blades in there... I think it would work nearly as well as the chainsaw.
I know the feeling, dang that hurt. Now it's your turn boat, here comes the chainsaw.
I wonder if just a die grinder would have been good to get the wood out of that channel, or even just for the remnants after the chainsaw. Not the fastest, but it sounds like it was slow going anyway. Amazing work.
My Dewalt 20v DCS355B is a godsend without a cord on the boat.
Yes removing transom is no joke. I had same time frame removing transom on 25' grady. But looking good. Keep up the great videos
Hey Andy! As always I love your shows and I must say that's some fine chainsaw work although definitely a risky endeavor! Last time I saw a saw run in a tight spot like that it was in my hands! Lol
You might try a baby wrecking bar sharpened as a chisel and narrow enough for the trough and gouge the remainder out.
So nice video u produce. I learn a lot from them. 👍 Thanks.
This may seem like a crazy idea but to get to those parts that you’re having issue with have you thought about a pressure washer with the stream nozzle since you’re replacing all that anyway you don’t have to worry about the moisture and I’m not sure if it would go through fiberglass but it might be worth a shot
Try a straight router bit & a dremel tool to remove that last bit of plywood. It will probably wreck the bit but the price of a few bits is a lot less than the price of your time fighting with it.
Man you've worked hard on that, great video loved it. Best wishes bro
When you were using the chainsaw to remove the old core, were you still finding the core to be wet/doughy? It appears to have the discoloration, it looks good to have all the old wood out. That Coosa is going to look SO good.
Congrats, you have invented the gas powered linear router!
That aboy kick its ass
I have to ask. Were is your red shirt. I didn't know who u were , had 2 check twice.😉
Unfortunately it's not just a shirt, it's a full body long underwear suit and it's 90F outside lol ;-)!! Might have to just get a red t-shirt for Summer :-)
When you busted out the chainsaw....OOOHHH BOY!
I think that's a Michigan thing?
Kinda like Canadians using Hockey Tape for everything. 😎
A bit late for a suggestion. I would have used a air hammer with a custom wide chisel blade. 200 strokes per minute will accomplish quite a bit and save your shoulders. Again IMHO!
Hey Andy, was that transom ply or osb ?
"Skilsaw & Chainsaw", a boat builders guide... hey only one nicked finger, well done! Remember plenty of ice for the shoulder(s) & "brain bandaids"(beer), haha, viewers guide!
Into each project, some blood must flow ...
One thing I have to ask, Andy. Wouldn’t it have been easier to just cut the whole transom out from the exterior of the boat, build the transom, screw it to the stringers, glass the outside, then glass the inside?
Check out Stumpy Nubs accident before using the wheel of death. Keep safe and stay well.
Thank you.
That’s one of those hold my beer and watch this shit moments. As soon as I seen that nail I knew it was a ring shank that you got into
Andy I am sure you Will have an emergency room trip for stuff in your eyes soon, Took me TWO TIMES at emergency to realize. Do not mean to be dramatic but I love your skill and videos.
Yes I realize maybe it is for filming sometimes, just let us know that !
I learn alot from you Andy thank you
The spinning wheel of death is an accurate name for that tool, All I can say is Face shield, Face shield, Face shield!
I've got an idea for removing the rest of that wood! Soak it in gasoline and light it with a match! Seriously, though, I thought the chainsaw was a joke but it was effective! I joke about doing surgery with a chainsaw and you, by golly, did it. I completely agree with you about those chain discs for an angle grinder. I've done serious damage to my thumb with a standard cut off wheel in a grinder - there's no way in the world I would even buy one of those chainsaw blades for a grinder. The RPMs are just too high and there's too much energy in it when something goes sideways.
Keep going - you'll get it!
in the time it took you to remove all the wood, you could have cut the whole transom out and maybe have replaced already.... we did that on a grady-white and worked great
LMFAO if i would have suggested a rancher 55 would you have whipped out the wheel of death ? big respects dude ......👍👍👍 you got a sub !!!
They make a chain saw blade for the right angle grinder.
I think I heard you say that you can get a one on one consultation can you please give me information on that ??
Would an air hammer with a chisel bit speed things up?
Maybe try a large HSS steel bit (3/4"plus) to ream out whats left.
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge, I have learned a lot with your videos,
Is there an opportunity to work with you in the workshop?
Chainsaw or the "spinning wheel of death"? Chain saw every time thank you.
Those carving disks can be absolutely evil * looks at slightly truncated left index finger * (I didn't even feel it or notice it until blood began dripping from the torn tips of the double gloves I was wearing)
The way that Fein tool works is the same as how the bone saws in my gross anatomy class were.
Except cost a LOT more money!
An air hammer .. often used in auto exhaust system removal or a small assortment of chisels work wonders and is inexpensive. Will save a lot of grinding as well.
Should have written .. with a small selection of chisel.
Wondering if the finger sander with a coarse belt would fit into those tight spaces
Hi , I think someone used 2 Plywoods and sandwich them together before filling the Cavity with it .
You can sharpen those blades with a small file. Use a file though, a rotary tool may loose the temper of the steel if your not careful.
I've heard of chainsaw transom repairs. Crazy...
Throw the chainsaw wheel of death away. Stumpy Nubs UA-cam channel, got seriously injured from that thing, cut his tenons on his ring finger. You could look into the Industrial Wood Carver from Arbortech should be a safer option to cut similarly to the chainsaw wheel.
Unique problems require unique solutions. Haha.
Love watching your stuff and the chainsaw was an ingenious tool for cleaning out that trough... but good grief man, please use some safety gear!
"Spinning Wheel of Death"
Lol....hit that switch, hang on tight and grit your teeth!!! Give her hell.....
thats next level stuff right there! yeehaw!