I need to make a fiberglass shell kind of like a motorcycle’s. I can’t tell what its for until it’s done…
can anyone direct me to a fiberglass resource for learning to work with this?
I need to make a fiberglass shell kind of like a motorcycle’s. I can’t tell what its for until it’s done…
can anyone direct me to a fiberglass resource for learning to work with this?
I suggest you find a book about composites from your local library, fibreglass is pretty easy to work with, just lay alternate layers of mat and resin, the resin layers being equal thickness to the mat, and build up in the mould or over the buck you are using until you have an appropriate thickness.
If its curvey, you’ll prolly need to vacum-bag it. And that can be expensive without the equipment.
If you can get your butt down to Santa Cruz, there are a number of surfboard manufacturers who’d be more than happy to give you a tour of their operations (I got a tour of Pearson Arrow Surfboards a while back) which includes forming, glassing and finishing all under one roof. That should give you a good idea of the work you’re getting into, and maybe even make you a friend with some glassing experience whom you might call in a pinch.
It isn’t rocket science, but you will need to practice before you can put a piece together with an even and smooth finish. Get enough material to do your project a few times over. You’ll need a good respirator, goggles, and some latex gloves, 'cause the resin fumes are really bad for you and the glass fibers are worse than wood slivers… also wear a coverall or some throw-away clothes 'cause once they’re covered with fibers you won’t be able to (or want to) wash them out.
Also, k’99 has good advice. The library is a great place to start.
There are some tutorials at Free Composites Learning Materials & White Papers
It’s kinda like paper mache… except it’s more sticky, more hazardous, and uses bigger pieces.
I’ve done the poor mans method where you put the item in a plastic bag and then submerge it in warm water.