Abstract: A portable, hand-held machine for stripping hard surfaces such as fibreglass boat hulls which have suffered osmotic deterioration. The machine has a hose fed hydraulic motor for outdoor work and a cutter block fitted with rows of tungsten carbide teeth which exert a planing action. Individually adjustable stops control the depth of cut. Trickle feed water arrests dust and prevents clogging. Stripping rates of about 12 m.sup.2 /hr are sustainable.