How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

[series60]

As I continue my rebuild project I would like to know if anyone has a secret to keeping the fiberglass down long enough for the epoxy to set on radius corners. Is there a type of fiberglass I should be using. I use mat and biax and can't keep smooth corners!

 

[1fishbone]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

Sometimes it's just patients.
I'll use the metal roller and keep rolling it until it kicks.
Dip the roller in acetone, shake off the excess, and gently roll it.

For extreme radius, I'll make temporary jigs from Plexiglas and wood. Hold it in place until it kicks.

Glassing sharp radius are a pain, router any sharp outside radius edges, (top of stringer,) build up inside radius with small pieces of cloth before laying up with larger pieces, like the hull to stringer area.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

Like Fish said it's patience and constant rolling with the fibergalss rolling tool. Sasto also gave me some advise for tops of stringers and that was to cut the glass along the top of the stringer so it will overlap and not bubble up. Some folks also staple the glass into place to help hold it down.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

You can use something like 3m spray adhesive to hold it in place before wet-out, and this won't affect your eventual glass (unless you go nuts and use a ton, of course).

Here's a simpler suggestion: Let the epoxy or poly resin tack up a bit. Once it's kicked and is starting to get really sticky, then flatten the bubbles with a roller or cover the whole thing with plastic and press it down/clamp into place. It's much easier once it gets sticky. Timing is important though. Wait too long and you've got a perma bubble.

Erik

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

For epoxy..its sometimes suggested that you mix a PB not to thick..and then lay in your glass.

Inside Radia will Allways pull away from your glass ( 1708 or whatever ).

Basically if your lamming Anything that goes from inside radi to/and over the outside radi..then back over to inside radi your lams should be inside radius..then outside ( like over your stringer ) then pulled back from your largest wetout lam you have... If you have time of cource..

I know Im not clear on this..

YD.

 

[series60]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

Thanks everyone. I have started installing my engine bunks and although the bilge isn't seen much I am trying to make it look as nice as possible. I will try these technics.

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

An alternate method is to do a wet lay-up not insitu. Build up your fillet pre-preg style on a form. Then lay the whole piece in place. This may/may not work according to the specifics of your project, skill level, etc. It works best on a constant radius.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: How do I stick fiberglass/epoxy to a radius corner?

Multiple lams at one time helps Alot... ..

The resin with glass will help you greatly when more then 2 layers of glass is lammed at one time. Yes you have to "baby sit" the resin and keep pushing the resin back up ( gravity sucks for us glass guys lol ).

Laying up just one layer of glass is almost impossible to keep bubbles out when doing a large area.

YD.