Question for Lenny

[Cuda]

I need to make an engine cover and a back seat for my Formula project. I'm going to build it out of plywood. My question is, what kind of fiberglass mesh and resin should I use to cover the plywood? Or do I just need resin on it?

Here is a link to the place gcarter posted if you could pick out a specific resin, I'd appreciate it.

http://www.shopmaninc.com/polyesters.html

[Lenny]

Either this or the next one. I use Isophalic lay-up resin but it appears they only offer it for "tooling" applications, ie: moldmaking.

435 Standard Polyester Layup Resin
435 is our most popular resin for marine applications. Excellent for all types of fiberglass lamination, layup, and repair work. Good strength strength and nice wet out make this resin very popular.
Color: Dark Amber/Green
Cat No. Size Price
SM-435025 1 Quart $8.35
SM-435100 1 Gallon 19.50
SM-435500 5 Gallon 76.00

All resin prices include catalyst.
1 Quart= 1ounce, 1 Gallon=2ounce, 5 Gal=6ounce



B-440 Premium Polyester Layup Resin
Excellent quality polyester resin, can be used for all types of laminating, layup, repair or construction. Allows a longer working time than other polyester resins and will allow maximum flow and workability up until the final stages of gelling.
Color: Dark Blue
Cat No. Size Price
SM-B440025 1 Quart $9.25
SM-B440100 1 Gallon 20.95
SM-B440500 5 Gallon 85.00

All resin prices include catalyst.
1 Quart= 1ounce, 1 Gallon=2ounce, 5 Gal=6ounce

Are you making a mold for a part or just a plywood covered "thing" that will be the part you need.

1 1/2 mat, 1 1/2 mat, 18 oz Roven, (if the radius and orners aren't real tight, if so then a lighter weave) 1 1/2 oz mat, another roven and finish with a mat. Then fill and sand with Cabo and resin mix, or Microballons and resin, or a newer "polyester putty" whatever your fancy.

Call me if you like. :) 250.474.4005 ( I am three hours behind you)

[Cuda]

I'm just covering the plywood.

[Lenny]

18oz Woven Roving
Coarsely woven fiberglass roving used for fast buildup in applications where cost savings are a factor. Best in flat or only gently contoured surfaces.
Cat No. Description Price / Yard
FG-ROV1838 38" Width
Same 1 to 9 Yd $3.60
Same 10 to 24 Yd 3.40
Same 25 or More Yd 3.20
FG-ROV1838R Roll (125-135yd) $1.97/ Pound
Full rolls are sold by weight and can vary from 150 to 160 LBs.

Cat No. Description Price / Yard
FG-ROV1850 50" Width
Same 1 to 9 Yd $4.90
Same 10 to 24 Yd 4.60
Same 25 or More Yd 4.30
FG-ROV1850R Roll (125-135yd) $1.97/ Pound
Full rolls are sold by weight and can vary from 195 to 205 LBs.



1-1/2 oz per square foot
(13.5oz per square yard)
Most commonly used mat for molds and boat building applications. 1-1/2oz Chopped Strand Mat
Weight: 1-1/2 ounce per square foot.
Cat No. Description Price / Yard
FG-10538 38" Width
Same 1 to 9 Yards $2.40
Same 10 to 24 Yards 2.25
Same 25+ Yards 2.10
FG-10538R Roll (80yds) Call
Cat No. Description Price / Yard
FG-10550 50" Width
Same 1 to 9 Yards $3.10
Same 10 to 24 Yards 2.90
Same 25+ Yards 2.70
FG-10550R Roll (80yd) Call
Full Rolls are approx. 80yds

[Cuda]

Okay Lenny, every since you asked if I was making a mold, it's been on my mind to make a fiberglass hatch. I have practically no fiberglass experience, other than bondo that looked awful when I painted it, and I'm not a great carpenter. I do have persistence, and I'm in no great hurry. Do you think a layman such as myself could make a mold and a fiberglass hatch?

[Formula Jr]

Not to speak for Lenny, but whats the worst that could happen?
Okay you could burn down you garage, ruin your clothes and have nieghbors call the police thinking there's a meth. lab next door..... but aside from that?

Go for it...! :wavey:

[Cuda]

Not to speak for Lenny, but whats the worst that could happen?
Okay you could burn down you garage, ruin your clothes and have nieghbors call the police thinking there's a meth. lab next door..... but aside from that?

Go for it...! :wavey:


Well, they could find my meth lab while putting out the fire. :eek!:

[Lenny]

Break out a router, some MDF or Ranger board, and a few scaps and a way to arc it if needed and go for it. There is not much to it. I spent tonight, (last night) doing a tooling plug for a Cessna front cowl that got damaged. They wanted $1200 for a new original replacement one, I think this one, complete, (and many more if anyone else at the airport want one) is going to run him $500.

[txtaz]

Cuda, I say go for it. I did my own seat pads on another boat. The ony issue I had was with the cloth edges and air bubbles. There is deffinately an art to laying glass. I had problems getting the edges to lay down. The "strings" wanted to come away from the wood while trying to get the resin on it. So in Texas fashion, I over did it. I put down extra cloth and poured the resin over it and gently guided it where I wanted it. Then came back and ground down the extra. Worked out great, not pretty but strong.
At least now I know when to call a pro for the pretty stuff.
Wes

[Cuda]

Break out a router, some MDF or Ranger board,


What is MDF or Ranger board?

[Lenny]

MDF, medium density fiberboard. Ranger and MEDITE are brand names you will have there. Comes in thicknesses of 1/8" and goes up in 1/8ths to above 1 1/4".

Wes, the trick to keeping Roven or cloth down in tight radii, is to put a matt on top of the re-inforcement. I works very well. A good example of a "$hitty place to keep glas down is the lip around the engine compartment in the Classics. With the matt over the Rovens it is no problem. Without you will want to take your life. :D

What you want to do is no big deal. ;) You will enjoy it (eventually)

[Cuda]

What type of place carries these boards? Which thickness should I use?

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm a complete beginner at this, but I've always wanted to do this stuff.

[Lenny]

Does the hatch have an arc to it ? and iff so, what is the deflection in the middle?

Are the 4 corners radiused? How about a pic of what is needed :D

[Cuda]

There is no picture of what I want to make. This is a picture of what was there originally, I've taken all that off in the back. I want to make a full width engine compartment and I'll build a bench seat to go across the back, so basically, I can make it any design I want. I'm looking to make a hatch that can be used as a sun deck, flush with the gunnels. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks
Joe

[Cuda]

These are the seats I have for the front. I want to put a cushioned sundeck on the stern.

[rchevelle71]

Hey Cuda....


Make 2 and I'll buy one from ya for the Wellcraft.....

Nah , nevermind, its for sale:outtahere

[Cuda]

Hey Cuda....


Make 2 and I'll buy one from ya for the Wellcraft.....

Nah , nevermind, its for sale:outtahere

No problem Rick, I'll sell you the prototype, then make the second one better! Sounds like a great idea to me.