Removing Teak Deck Seam Compound

[Seneca]

We've probably been through this one, but anyone know of a relatively easier way to remove seam compound? I made the mistake of using a sandable silicone product 8 or 9 years ago made by Boatlife and it's pulling away from the seams. Where it's pulling away, it's reasonably easy to remove, but it's tenacious in other places. Feintool? Hot knife is very slow (and hot); are there any solvents (probably not).

Thanks for reading,

[Bark]

Somebody once gave me an old tool for this purpose - it is a hot knife that I believe is specifically meant for seams. Not sure if you already have something similar, but let me know if you have any use for it. Happy to pass it along to someone who can use it (I don't have teak decks anymore!).

Ben

[benglish300]

Heat gun and burned hands :0

[JimConlin]

The comments on the Fein tool have been that it's effective, but that the blades break and are overpriced.

[benglish300]

I do believe other oscillating tools blades are compatible with the fein brand. Some companies are much more reasonable with their pricing

[Bob Cleek]

The Fein MultiMaster has a specific seam reefing tool that works rather well. Be sure to get one in the width that matches your seams. They call them "teak blades" and they come in three sizes.

http://www.waltertool.com/images/mmblades/63903200017.jpg

http://www.waltertool.com/mmblades_1.html (At the bottom of this catalog page. Google around. There are more and more aftermarket Fein blade suppliers every day and their prices are a lot lower than the Fein blades.)

[ramillett]

I find a good sharp knife ( to cut the sides ) , and a hook that I grind out of a flat file , work good . If you do a little back clearing on the hook , It works like a little plain or draw knife , It will shave the teak to deepen the slots . After you get your technique down , you can reef out a good quart or calking a day , safely .

[iolanthesf]

Find a square shank screwdriver of the right width, heat it with a propane torch, and bend it in a "U". Grind a sharp cutting edge, and you have a great, durable tool that will follow the groove on the pull stroke, barely shave the edges, and not skip around. Or be nuts and put a carbide bit in a router. The real macho guys double up blades in a circular saw, but you need real steady hands to manage power tools.

[Seneca]

I already have a hot knife, so thanks for the offer, but won't need another one. I didn't realize that there were multiple width blades for the Fein tool that would reef out the entire seam; I had though you had to cut one side away and then the other. That might make it go a whole lot faster --:). Insofar as I have a 40' sloop with a lot of teak decking, save the cabin top, the fastest possible is most appreciated!

[Jay Greer]

There is a pnuematic body and fender tool known as a panel splitter that fits into an air gun. The cutting blade can be ground to fit the seam, exactly. It will do a hell of a job reefing seams in jig time! Another tool is a Japanese package hook that is also used in fish markets to snag fish. The tool consists of a single forged steel hook set in a wooden handle that is shaped like a deer hoof. It also is very effective when ground to fit seams.
Jay