Cutting round wheel wells in a body

[Len Woodruff]

I have been using a compass/divider with a pin to cut round wheel wells in a resin body. But it is time consuming and wondered if there was a better tool for the job?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[stitchdup]

I'd cut it roughly close to shape, then take a tube of the required diameter and cover it in p80-120 sandpaper and use that to get the final shape. Remember to mark out the final shape beforehand and it should go pretty quickly

[Plowboy]

My procedure is very simple. I place a tire the size I want the opening to be and trace it. Measure and repeat for the other side.

[Len Woodruff]

22 minutes ago, Plowboy said:

My procedure is very simple. I place a tire the size I want the opening to be and trace it. Measure and repeat for the other side.

What cutting method do you use?

[Plowboy]

7 minutes ago, Len Woodruff said:

What cutting method do you use?

I use a Dremel with a router bit to get it close to the line. Then trim with an Xacto, rounded file and finish with sandpaper.

[Sandboarder]

[Chariots of Fire]

Same here.  Get the opening to the shape it will be and then grind the opening until it meets the new lines.  Go easy with the Dremel and it can be done in no time.  Final finishing with oval files.

[R. Thorne]

I use a cordless variable speed drill with a large coarse grit drum sander or a right size pill bottle with sandpaper wrapped around with a back and forth twisting motion.  This is, of course, after tracing the slicks or tire I am going to use on the fender with a sharpie marker.