Moderator: eaglesdare
Pmullen503 wrote:Personally I like either Raka or System 3 low viscosity, non blushing resins. When I need a really clear lay up over wood that is going to show.
To save some money try US Composites or Total Boat. I've used both for molded parts mostly and they are fine.
I started 30 years ago with West System and its a great product but a little over priced. I still use small amounts occasionally because I can get it locally. They have a good assortment of epoxy additives.
I would not use table top or casting epoxy for fiberglass work.
Pmullen503 wrote:There is no such thing as 5 minute or 72 hour cure epoxy; it is entirely dependant on temperature.
Usually epoxies are sold by slow medium and fast cure times. The resin is typically the same just the "part B" is different.
Don't get the fast hardener unless you know you shop will be below 60F. Medium is usually best for most beginners unless you work at 75F or above then go with slow.
I once tried to use some slow cure at around 50F and it took a week to gel and didn't fully harden for weeks.
kstills wrote: The front of the panel will 'spiderweb' when you hit it 'gently', a consequence of the thicker layer of epoxy on the panel. This shouldn't be a problem as the paint will hide the spiderwebbing.
kstills wrote:Impact resistance of front and back of the panel. I beat on this thing with a channel locks.
The front of the panel will 'spiderweb' when you hit it 'gently', a consequence of the thicker layer of epoxy on the panel. This shouldn't be a problem as the paint will hide the spiderwebbing.
The front of the panel will definitely deform from a solid hit.
The back of the panel does not.
I would not use table top or casting epoxy for fiberglass work.
tomhawk wrote:George, that is amazing that you have had those hits!
I have not yet collided with a deer with my build:
viewtopic.php?f=55&t=75248
Some time ago my colleague was killed when a deer went through her car windshield at 60 mph.
I am thinking deer are far more dangerous than grizzly bears.
Tom
fonsan wrote:
The thinnest wood i can get a hold of where I am (EU) is 3 mm ply wood for about 9 euro/usd. Presuming having to do both faces of a composite panel it would end up being 2oz cloth with epoxy, 3mm plywood, epoxy, xps foam, epoxy, 3mm plywood, 2oz cloth epoxy
This would more than double the cost and work per sqm and it seems to me that the more elegant solution is just to chose a heavier cloth instead of adding plywood to the mix. I am getting the feeling that 2-4oz cloth might be sufficient in terms of surface resistance as I don't really mind repairing any damage.
I am starting to realise that what I am asking about is the rigidity of the structure and not the surface resistance to damage as it seems that the rigidity will dictate the thickness of the fiberglass cloth
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