I just finished cutting the canopy for a 7 tip up. I used two methods and thought this may help somweone about to start this process. After reading and re-reading the many post about cutting methods, I elected to use the viabrating cutting tool like Harbor freight only mine was a Ridgid from home depot. It did a good job, especially if you used several passes. I used this tool and method for all of the cuts including the big cut without a problem. Another friend suggested that I use a dremel with the 90 degree attachment. I tried the dremel for the final trim cuts with a standard cut off wheel. It did great. Much better and easier than the vibrating tool and very, very easy to control with the 90 degree attachment. Able to make small trims much easier.
I highly recommend the dremel with 90 degree attachment for ease of use and control. It did kick up more debrie but still much easier and made a cleaner cut. I used a belt sander with 80 grit for the edges. As I got through the trims to the final after the belt sander I used the vibrating tool with 120 then 240 for final edge dressing. Hope this helps the next guy as they start this nerve racking part of the project.
I highly recommend the dremel with 90 degree attachment for ease of use and control. It did kick up more debrie but still much easier and made a cleaner cut. I used a belt sander with 80 grit for the edges. As I got through the trims to the final after the belt sander I used the vibrating tool with 120 then 240 for final edge dressing. Hope this helps the next guy as they start this nerve racking part of the project.