| Author | Message | ||
     R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 720 Registered: 07-2002 |
Anyone here ever work with fiberglass/foam core composite? Everything I see says it is "easy" to work with, but can be frustrating if you try to go too fast. But I knew I could turn to the Discoweb for an honest response! Pricing? Stuff you have used it for? etc... Thanks | ||
| Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Senior Member Username: Sillybus Post Number: 431 Registered: 08-2002 |
I've got a limited bit of experience with fiberglass. My brother runs a boat yard in Oxford and has access to pricing if you know what you are specifically looking for. He's pretty sharp with fabrication as well. He builds all kinds of stuff out of it. I've done mostly repair work so I can only forward your questions to him. I've been looking at another marine industry product called StarBoard which is pretty neat. Going to use that in my next project. | ||
| Ray Gerber (Raygerber) Senior Member Username: Raygerber Post Number: 262 Registered: 09-2002 |
Steve- What kind of durability does StarBoard have-if you know-I've been eyeing that in my WestMarine catalog for a few project ideas as well. | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 722 Registered: 07-2002 |
Actually, I just realized that I wouldn't mind trying to build a kayak out of the stuff. I was originally thinking of attempting to build containers fitted for the interior of the Series and the Disco that could be removed. I might just buy a small kit this summer and see if I can do it - I've seen others do that type of thing, in aviation when they are building their garage-queens with wings. | ||
| Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Senior Member Username: Sillybus Post Number: 432 Registered: 08-2002 |
Ray - My brother has been using it for just about everything that you'd normally use fiberglass or wood for in boats. Center consoles, dive platforms, tables, etc. I've got a couple of pieces he gave me to play with. It is just as "mill-able" as plywood; cut it, drill it, screw it, ya-da, ya-da. I've had a piece sitting in the elements since September and there is no noticeable fading so far. For durability, I believe that its as good as most other materials, especially if they are making dive platforms for salt-water vessels. Mr. Bailey - Sounds doable. I don't think I'd personally bother with using it to make a kayak because of the weight and potential for damage. That said, the best way to go about it is to make a mold or form so that you work out the shape and proportions. I shaped a few surfboards back in my younger days and laying fiberglass over a pre-carved foam core was easy. | ||
| KJ (Karen) Senior Member Username: Karen Post Number: 210 Registered: 02-2002 |
Ooooo, Oxford, Steve? One of my favorite little towns on The Shore. Probably the nicest antiques store I've even been to, Americana Antiques, is there. That place is like a museum where rich folks get to buy stuff. Karen, has dealt with fiberglass and hates it  | ||
| Ian Kreidich (Ian95rrc) Member Username: Ian95rrc Post Number: 152 Registered: 03-2003 |
Has anyone used this? http://www.westsystem.com/ I used it to bond my rear floor to the body. It's pretty neat stuff, but I have yet to use it with fiber cloth or mesh. "garage-queens with wings"...how true. I dropped in on a guy assembling a Lancair kit about a year ago, it was quite the project. A sexy airplane indeed. http://www.lancair-kits.com/Lancair_IV.html The idea of flying at 20,000+ ft. in a kitplane is still a little scary to me. | ||
| Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Senior Member Username: Sillybus Post Number: 433 Registered: 08-2002 |
Karen - I think I know the place you are talking about. I live in Easton, about 15 minutes from Oxford. Ian - The only fiberglass stuff I've ever used was WestSystem. | ||
| KJ (Karen) Senior Member Username: Karen Post Number: 217 Registered: 02-2002 |
Easton is nice, too. We ate at a kind of British pub place last time we were there as I recall. It was right in town, off a square? It was about 18 months ago, so my memory isn't the sharpest. I think Oxford is one of the most charming towns I've ever seen. Too bad I didn't buy real estate there 20 years ago...... Karen | ||
| Steve Andrews (Sillybus) Senior Member Username: Sillybus Post Number: 434 Registered: 08-2002 |
Karen - That would have been the Washington St. Pub. I ate lunch there on Monday with my accountant. I like Oxford in the Summer. Otherwise, it doesn't have much to offer. If you get over this way again, drop me a line before you come! |
