Fibreglassing Secrets

[Richhh]

For overhead work I usually add a 'thixotropic' to the mix such as coloidal silica, etc. Such will make the resin 'thicker' but not adversely affect the strength.

[Alan Wheeler]

BBill, good idea but, the only issue with being so exacting is the resin temp must be at the same temp as the subtrate and we will presume the substrate is at ambient temp. This system will work very well if you are in a controlled constant temp environment.

[BBill]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

BBill, good idea but, the only issue with being so exacting is the resin temp must be at the same temp as the subtrate and we will presume the substrate is at ambient temp. This system will work very well if you are in a controlled constant temp environment.

I think you are reading too much into it. From my experience, ambient temps of resin normally have a direct relation to substrate temps and it shows on kick time. But if substrate temp is a concern I suppose it can be measured and added to the log for reference. I've never seen anyone take substrate temp to calculate catalyst though. Also, this method is actually best used in an uncontrolled environment where temp and humidity fluctuates as the day goes by. No matter what the change you can calculate the exact kick time, everytime and without surprises.

B.

[delmarrey]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet (a lot of reading) but if your deck was flexing under your winch a backing board at 150% + of your winch base should be installed on the underside of the deck. Even if it's on the outside of the new fiberglass. A few extra lays of glass will not make much differance without the mass......................................_/)

[seafox]

Yes, I did place a 9mm thick large circle of ply under the new glass. I agree, the ply was what was needed. It certainly spread the load over a larger area. The winch is very firm now.
cheers

[Alan Wheeler]

I was racing on a cav 32 many years ago and the with a BANG! the winch came out and disappered off into the distance. It took a huge chunk of deck side along with it. I am glad it disappeared into the distance, if it stayed connected to the sheet and came back around, it would have been deadly. We all sort of sat there for what seemed like ages, looking at a gaping hole, wondering what just happened, in awe of watching a winch rocket away like it did and then waiting for the skipper to react. Lets just call him, ummmm, competitive!!
Fortunately he didn't react to badly, he just about cried at the thought of the cost though.

[seafox]

Mmmmm, maybee I better not put too big a backing board under it! Might lose the whole cabin top