DwightMann

This is my first project with a mold, and my biggest question is how many layers of glass should I use?
I am building a set of floats for a Killer Kaos with an OS 91. The plane weighs about 7 lbs. The floats will be approximately 45" long.
Is a few layers of heavy material better than several layers of a lighter material. I am planning on using 6 oz cloth and West Systems epoxy 105/205

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

3 layers 6 ounce

MTK

Are you interested in weight build up?? Or better question, how interested in the added weight are you? The Kaos has a fairly small wing and you should be careful about wing loading.

MattK

DMcQuinn

My Feedback: (13)

For the mold, use 5 or 6 layers or even more if you want a really sturdy mold. , but for the final part, probably 3 layers of 6-oz cloth is about right.

KC36330

a single layer of 3/4oz cloth in the mold first will make the final project allot smoother IME and then just 2 layers of 6oz (one on the bias) will be more then enough.

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

Ditto that.

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

What weight is "hardware store" cloth?

Ed Smith

Usualy 6 oz.

To the original poster. 48" long floats willl take a fair time to lay up. Is the west 205 hardener the slowest hardener? IF not then I would suggest the slowest hardener that West has. You will need a fairly long working time for the resin.

Ed S

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

No

http://www.discountmarinesupplies.co...HARDENERS.html

qldviking

personally I'd use a layer of cloth, then 2 layers chopped strand, the chopped strand gives more strength, and shapes quicker and easier, but definately get the slowest hardener

SCALECRAFT

My Feedback: (13)

Personally I would avoid chopped strand matt glass. Its like chip board (OSB) compared to ply wood. Or like MDF shelves next to real wood shelves. Strand cannot take an impact due to the strands not being elongated. Its good for mold build up but not for quality parts.

Also the shape configuration of the layup plays a big role in its structural ability.

Just my few.

Steve

TeamSeacats

agreed - chopped mat feels stronger because it has a lot more resin in it due to the random orientation / overlap of the fibers...there's a lot of space in there and it's actually stiffer due to the high ratio of resin but NOT stronger. it will be twice as heavy as multiple layers of oriented strand woven cloth. If you orient the strands of the woven cloth and take advantage of light weight core materials, you can most certainly build a more robust structure.

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

Have you tried this?
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=92

lfalsetto

My Feedback: (10)

I have used a 2 or 3 oz cloth on the outside and two 6 oz cloths with great success.