GRP/fibreglass tutorials and supplies

[SteveA]

Thanks for the info again, I shall go off and read-up about fences properly, I was trying to avoid these to keep the project simple as it's my first attempt at fibre glassing. In the mean time, I'm going to have a look at the costs of getting it all made from aluminium, might be a lot quicker/easier.

[2.5 Chris]

The whole beauty about this system, is that it is simple.

I am not trying to demean your efforts, or any one elses.

What appears here, looks workable, in whatever method you choose to follow, and, if you'll permit me to say, to a standard I would expect, from above a beginner .

 

 

Fences are often helped by utilizing the lines of something else, so as all you have to do is fill in the space.

 

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n244/ukcjm/PICT3420.jpg

 

http://winshiprc.tripod.com/carbon_fiber_composites.htm

^ Some other possibly interesting info'.

 

The magic weave has wonders yet to beyond.

Its history, yet to be spoken.

To be sure, the level of Babr-e Bayan has not yet been gained.

But Wigars spirit, drifts eerily by.

 

 

(batman)

[JamesR]

You'd think there were better uses for the invisible man than making youtube videos of fibreglass planes.  ;D

[2.5 Chris]

Another way of framing is to approach from other direction, IE, inside out, either by cutting, and allowing for "X"mm of cut, in initial item, plug/mold/building back up after, or building in a way that allows for a split.

From pic '1904, a possible split/cut is already shown, another would maybe be, vertically, through centre line of tubing.

The pieces then mounted on ( In either example or project shown here) flat surfaces to provide framing when laying up.

 

 

Plywood is invaluable, I find, for plugs, and molds, as it gives access to contour/ guide lines, added to the hard/soft combination when sanding.

Glass/ Laminated surfaces (Some are not completely flat) Plastic/ tubing, all are useful, for there non sticking properties, and as framing, shape guiding etc.

 

Edit:

http://www.fiberlay.com/howto/issue1.htm

 

 

[2.5 Chris]

Hostile areas,  and similar, can be dealt with by use of a bi material mold

for example, Latex/Fiberglass being the Mother.

Although sometimes there is a clash between Gel coat and latex . Gel coat doesn't fully cure, and surface is tacky, and needs sanding.

Other areas can have bolt ins. A mold part, that is fixed to inside of mold, during lay up.

These are sometimes set into final article, and released separately or not, as is the case.

Foam cores, are a useful option in fabricating items. seen rear spoilers, foam core, wrapped in CF, bagged, etc.

 

 

^

I'm not promoting those questionable kits.....

I usually fix molds into a wooden frame.

Heat gun very useful, with Fiberglass as well.

Going over the edging, onto framing can help in releasing, usually on larger items.

 

Vacuum Bag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD1jImn5hnU

CF Example...strength, depends.

Applicator/squeegee, useful to apply first coat onto surface if that is visually seen side.

Rollers!

http://www.dream-models.com/eco/vacuumpump.html

http://www.bertram31.com/proj/tips/vaccuum.htm

http://www.gurit.com/product.asp?section=00010001002800100005&itemTitle=Vacuum+Bagging

[2.5 Chris]

Foam cores are an interesting choice for even some "sculptured" panels etc.

I went to a fairly local company, who supply a very respectable myriad of firms.

The choice was assisted by being directed to the "Example " cabinet.

 

 

Needless to say, cabinet became empty very quickly.

 

Although, the words, "Light & strong" had I suspect a familiarity, they got my path led to a pile of, extremely expensive, purposeful looking, sheets.

Way too much for my needs.

Resulted in a pile of off cuts, in exchange for  donation.

 

 

http://www.auf.asn.au/scratchbuilder/plastics_resins.html

Plastics/thermosets +

 

http://www.rcsailing.net/forum1/showthread.php?5519-Post-curing-of-epoxy

TG  Westsystem , PDF +

 

http://dragonplate.com/ecart/categories.asp?cID=35

Various CF

 

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/use-guides/

Vacuum Bagging Techniques PDF +

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[2.5 Chris]

http://www.substech.com/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=carbon_fiber_reinforced_polymer_composites

 

Various info' linked.

[2.5 Chris]

http://www.panelteccorp.com/index.html

 

http://www.nida-core.com/english/nidaprod_honeyinfo_rigid.htm