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How Much Glass Cloth to Use for Various Size Fuselages - 8/24/2012 4:27 AM   
thomas.crown


 

Posts: 33
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Joined: 9/10/2009
Last Login: 5/17/2013
From: Bend, OR, USA
Status: offline 		I'm sure this has been covered in the past, but I didn't run across it. I've started making molds and one of my projects is a .60 sized pattern plane for which I'm making a fuselage mold. I'm struggling with how much cloth and what weight to use when making a fuselage from the mold. I can make decent molds but I need a bit more info on making the finished product.  Is it better to use multiple layers of a lower weight cloth or a single heavier piece? My initial testing was done with a .25 size plane and I feel confident in my techniques. My first completed fuselage from the mold is flyable although a bit heavy. The thing is almost bullet proof (I should have gone with kevlar) but ounces really matter in small planes. 

My focus is currently on making fuselages for .25, .40 and .60 sized planes and the odd cowl or some other part. Is there a formula or rule of thumb to determine the amount and weight of cloth to use for different size planes? I'm only concerned with fuselages at this point. I don't want to waste materials reinventing the wheel. If it matters, I will be using polyester resin rather than epoxy. Thanks for the help.

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RE: How Much Glass Cloth to Use for Various Size Fuselages - 8/24/2012 11:25 AM   
tschmidt


 

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From: Fort Scott, KS,
Status: online 		Hey Thomas,
For a .60 sized plane you should be able to get by with total weight of cloth of 7 to 8oz. I would use a layer of 3oz followed by a layer of 4oz. Years ago it was common to use total weight of 10 to 12oz total weight but that is not necessary in my opinion. I layed a couple of Dirty Birdy fuses up for my father with 7oz total weight (epoxy resin) and it was plenty stiff.

Todd

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RE: How Much Glass Cloth to Use for Various Size Fuselages - 8/24/2012 1:43 PM   
sidgates



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From: Denver, CO, USA
Status: offline 		I wouldn't consider polyester for model parts especially when concerned about weight. I would probably do the 7oz lay up from the wing back and an extra layer of 3 oz from the wing forward.

I find multiple layers or thinner cloth much easier to lay in the mold. I usually start with either 2oz or 3.2oz for the first layer. My current project can be seen at: http://www.sidgates.us/HOBBIES/F-94C/F94C%20PROJECT.htm

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RE: How Much Glass Cloth to Use for Various Size Fuselages - 8/24/2012 4:58 PM   
wyowindworks


 

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From: Cody, WY, USA
Status: offline 		Multiple layers of fabric is typically stronger.  You often need fibers going in varying direction to make a part that has enough torsional and bending stiffness/strength.   Also putting the layers at varying orientations (0/90, +/-45) increases the toughness of the fuse.  If you put all the layers on the same orientation then the thin laminate is prone to "zippering" along the weave.

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RE: How Much Glass Cloth to Use for Various Size Fuselages - 8/24/2012 7:38 PM   
moggyman64


 

Posts: 36
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From: spalding, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Sidgates, Nice link and video

regards

Keith

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RE: How Much Glass Cloth to Use for Various Size Fuselages - 8/26/2012 9:28 PM   
thomas.crown


 

Posts: 33
Score: 100
Joined: 9/10/2009
Last Login: 5/17/2013
From: Bend, OR, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks for all of the responses to my question. I think I have a very good idea of what to do now.

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