a few quick fiberglassing questions

[mikemerrill50]

hey guys, i searched on these items, and I haven't found answers, so i'm just gonna ask a few quick questions:<br /><br />first off, i'm fiberglassing 5 18ft stringers, "hat style," meaning no core, and lots of fiberglass (4 layers: woven, mat, woven, mat). so:<br /><br />1. how much fiberglass do you typically mix at a time? i'm just trying to figure out what size cups/buckets i need to order, and how long the stir sticks should be.<br /><br />2. do i need to buy fiberglass scissors/shears, or will any good pair of scissors cut mat tape and woven roving?<br /><br />3. i am going to order some tyvek suits... how many would you recommend ordering? i have used one or two in the past, but for short projects. i haven't used tyvek suits for a job this extensive, so i don't know how long they last (usually throw them away after each of my short uses).<br /><br />4. for the mask, i have seen in west marine catalogs the 3m respirator masks that are approved for fiberglass (3m particulate respirator). if this mask is ok, how many would you think i should order? if not, and i need to buy a mask, how many cartridges do you think I would need?<br /><br />5. i just bought a box of 100 gloves, and realized, after i opened the box to test fit, that the gloves are vinyl, not latex. is that ok?<br /><br />sorry for all the specific questions, but I want to order the right amount of stuff to do the job right without having to leave and go to the store. i would like to order almost everything that i can online to save money, and i want to have enough, but I don't want to order too many items (like mask filters), because that extra cost can add up quick.<br /><br />as always, thank you very much for your help and replies. it is greatly appreciated!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

1. It depends on the gel time of the resin, shop temp, size of the job and your skill. For this type of job I would mix from 1/2 to 1 gal at a time.<br /><br />2. Any good pair of scissors will work, bigger ones just make it easier if you need to cut a lot of fiberglass.<br /><br />3. You only need a couple of pairs, but you need to be careful with them.<br /><br />4. Get a respirator with cartridges for laminating, but I just use a good dust mask for grinding.<br /><br />5. It depends on the glove, some work some don't, I don't like the thin latex ones though, they never last very long and you end up with resin on your hands.

 

[mikemerrill50]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

these vinyl ones feel real thick, and they fit me somewhat tightly, so i imagine they would work. thanks for the answers! i'm hoping the temp is at least in the 60's around march 12. i know it can't be much colder if i expect to do this work, or at least i need to order extra hardener to add. i'll probably mix in 1/2 gallons, because i will have to experiment with hardener. i think i'll order 3 sets of tyvek suits. if i need more, it should be obvious enough if i need to go to the store at nighttime when i'm done for the day anyways. i figured i would need to get a respirator. if it's a dual cartridge respirator, how many cartridges do you think i should need? the two that come with it wouldn't be good enough for these 5 or so days of fiberglass work do you? i think i should order 2 more, unless you think i need even more than that.<br /><br />thanks!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

Most resins are formulated to be catalyzed at 1 to 2%, so it's not a good idea to use more or less than that. <br /><br />The cartridges will easily last that long.

 

[lark2004]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

are you useing Polyester resin, or Epoxy Resin to do the glassing?

 

[mikemerrill50]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

sorry... i should have specified... i'm gonna use polyester resin.

 

[tr918]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

For respirator when glassing the 3M - 5203 cartride works well. For sanding a dust mask works fine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

i'll probably mix in 1/2 gallons , because i will have to experiment with hardener.

That's Crazy.........<br /><br />You're Experimenting......... Start with a 1/2 CUP ........<br /><br />I can see where this boat project is going to Co$t you an Arm & a Leg,...... Along with Your 1st Born..........<br /><br />Here's Another view of What you Need,........<br />

i'm just trying to figure out what size cups/buckets i need to order, and how long the stir sticks should be.

Use Only 1 measuring vessel for Each component,....Then do the Mixing in your Workpot....An Old Coffeecan Works Perfectly....<br />Standard "Paint Sticks" Always work........ANY stick will Work.......<br /><br />Fiberglass scissors/shears is covered.........<br />

i am going to order some tyvek suits... how many would you recommend ordering?

None,........ <br />If you Don't own Any Old Jeans,...... Run down to the Salvation Army Store,........<br />Everybody Needs a couple pairs of "Workin'" jeans,......And,.. You'll be Helping out a Worthy organization........ <br />Just hang 'em in the garage if the little woman is the issue,......<br />

for the mask

Go to NAPA or someplace that sells Automotive Paints,.... They hook you Right Up for slightly under $50.00 Max......Youll get a nice filtered mask, that Fits..... The set of cartridges will Not need replacing for along time.......<br />It's Money that'll help you live Longer..... Those Paper 1s are almost a Waste of Money,....More of a "Feel Good" thing,... They Leak, Bad.....<br />

i just bought a box of 100 gloves

While you're at NAPA,......... Grab a Gallon of some of their Professional grade Hand Cleaner........<br />And, Throw the Gloves Away.................

 

[mikemerrill50]

Re: a few quick fiberglassing questions

naaa, i'm not about fiberglassing fingers. i know how that can be from doing small automotive fiberglass work. i'm getting a full 3m respirator mask from west marine for under $40. 3m, and most i have talked to, have said the respirator masks used for automotive painting do not filter out fiberglass fumes. i have gojo with pumice that i use to clean my hands after all my automotive work.<br /><br />sorry, that was a typo about the mixing cups. i have .5 quart (not gallon) cups for testing different hardener/resin ratios. i will be using .5 gallon buckets for the final mixture.<br /><br />all the supplies and equipment for the stringer job has been about $400, including plenty of extra stuff. i'm willing to spend the extra money to make sure i do the job right and smoothly. i expected this project would cost alot of money, and this is just the beginning.