Fiberglass Molding

[Mad Scientist]

I would like to make a fiberglass body for my next project. I know the basics of how to lay the sheet and spread the resin, but I have never actually done it before. I have seen fiberglass and carbon fiber items be vacuum-bagged and then autoclaved (which I do not have the means to do myself). Is this really necessary? Is there a specific resin that I can use that will cure without going through this process? Where can I purchase the materials? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Frank3]

the process with the vacuum is used to insure all the air bubbles are pressed out which makes it stronger.
you don't need anything special as far as resin goes,check out the paint dept. @ Lowes.they carry the bondo brand or something close.or check out local auto parts/body supply ie.napa.
the thinner the cloth or matt you use, the easer & lighter it will be

 

[Mad Scientist]

Cool, thanks man. I did a little reading up on it, and I seem to have a good idea of what I need now.

 

[Frank3]

great.let me know if you need help,i've been playing with glass for 25yrs.
no expert, but i have picked up a few good tricks.
have fun,and get some acetone to clean-up with;-)

 

[Harley]

Just don't mix your resin to "Hot" go by the book. Otherwise you end up with a lot of worthless material. Get a bunch of cheap paint brushes too. I always like to get the plastic fountain cups you get at the gas station to mix my stuff in. Lots of times I just grab 3 or 4 when I get my pop and give them another quarter, most clerks could give two chits (they probably pocket the quarter).

 

[72Blazer]

Being a surfer,I just made some balsa longboards for my scaler.I used a resin called Sun Cure.Its GREAT! No worries about mixing what-so -ever!Just use it like regular resin except there is NO need to rush because its going to "kick".When you are ready,just put it out in the sun to cure.Takes about 5 minutes,depending on the amount of sun.No need to worry about temprature.You just need sunlight.I used it before to fix small dings but this was the first time on something a little larger.
And if you are looking for light cloth,they make 4 and 6oz cloth which is used on surfboards.Marine cloth and the stuff they sell at Home Depot is a little heavier.
http://www.bungersurf.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1000&Product_Code=Resinsc