Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner Dremel bit for fender chop?

What dremel bit(s) have people used for chopping the fender? Any advice as to the best bit to use, method, pre-marking, etc?

Thanks!

I'd use a 10A 4.5" grinder for any rear fender mods

If you're talking about cutting the plastic front fender, then a dremel with the little standard cutting blades should work just fine if you double 'em up.

I don't know that I would use a Dremel. Those cut-off wheels they have are not really that thick and break apart easily (ask me how I know! ). It would also take longer to cut than if you used a real cutoff tool. Can you borrow one from a friend?

(Oops! I assumed you meant the back fender?)

I do mean the back fender. I thought I had seen several references to dremmeling the back fender, which is why I asked about that. However, a real cutoff tool makes much more sense.

I believe there were some threads on that and it definitely can be done but the fender is fairly thick. If you've got real steady hands and some patience , the Dremel will work. Maybe doubled up like Mark suggested?

I still vote real cutoff tool!

I'd only consider using a dremel with the front fender. With the rear, definitely spend the $80-$90 and get a 4 1/2" grinder and a cutoff wheel for steel. You'll also be able to use the same cutoff wheel for grinding the edge down real nice before refinishing.

Considering the price of a new fender...get the proper tools and do it right. And when you have that grinder, you'll really be surprised at how often it'll come in handy and wonder how you ever got by without it.

Dremel's got a new quick attachment setup (called "EZ Lock) that has MUCH better cutoff wheels - they're bigger and made of a completely different material. Cutoff wheels are what I use on my Dremel about 98% of the time so I can vouch. I don't know if I'd want to tackle the fender, but I can attest to the fact that those bigger/better wheels will get you through 3/16" stock - it just takes a while.

here's a link to the info - if i remember it's about $25 for the new bit holder plus a 5 pack of the replacement wheels. they are more expensive but they last a heck of alot longer than the standard fiberglass discs. just make sure you get the ones that are made for cutting metal.

Best wishes

I have used a Dremel on past bikes but also I am on my second Dremel....they will burn up if you do a lot of cutting of fenders.....

I think the rear is a bit much for a Dremel tool but a fiber reenforced cut off wheel is the attacment you would want. i would use an air cut off tool like a die grinder,not a die grinder but the cut off tool that kinda looks like a die grinder.I have head of jigsaw with metal cutting blade too but then you will have to repaint the whole fender for sure. With a cut off tool you could probably get away with touching up the edge as long as you don't get the fender too hot.

hey Jim,

Next time just order the new motor for your Dremel. I just burned out the speed control on my cordless model, which in turn started to smoke the motor since I had it up at high speed and couldn't tell that the electronics had blown. Ordered the speed control and motor from Dremel for like $32 w/ shipping (I think the motor was only $11 or something). Much cheaper than a whole new unit, and took me 3.7 minutes to replace once the parts were in hand. I have to hand it to them for making such simple tools...less parts, less to break.

I used a 4.5 inch die grinder. Masked the fender off with tape to stop from chipping and also so I could see my lines before I cut. Turned out great! Dont bother with dremel...it is too much work, and is a helluva headache!

I used a Roto-Zip and 12 Molson Canadians.

Seriously...you should use a ceramic cutoff wheel attached to a variable air gun/ratchet.

And make sure you mask the thing off. And it doesn't hurt to down a few Molson Canadiens. It'll give you courage.