Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Hi folks .Today I will go through the process I used to make a fiberglass canopy frame for a Topflight giant Corsair. This process can be used for any canopy that has the frame molded into the canopy from the factory.By no means is this the only way to do this and I am no expert. This is just what works for me and I hope it will help some of you that wants to make a frame for there canopy First the tools needed 1 A die grinder or dremel tool 2 a carbide cutter 3 a small sanding drum 4 scissors not in pics 5 small brush 6 foam brush 7 a good dust mask 8 gloves 9 mixing cups
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Now the materials needed 1 6 ounce fiberglass cloth 1 pack more than enough not pictured 2 3/4 ounce cloth 1 pack more than enough not pictured 3 fiberglass resin I like Sig because it sands well 4 mold release
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Next I like to pre cut the glass cloth . I do this so it will be ready when I get to applying resin and I can do the whole process in one sitting .There will be 2 layers of 3/4 ounce cloth and 3 layers of 6 ounce cloth.The the number of layers of 6 ounce cloth will depend on how thick you think the frame should look .So for a smaller plane you might want less for a larger model you might want more .
The first step in the process is to make a jig to attache your canopy to so that the frame will come out close to the shape it will be flexable so if its a little off it will move to fit the fuse
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Next attach the canopy to the jig. I use tape for this and apply a couple of coats of mold release to the canopy with a foam brush and let it dry over night .
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Now for the fun applying the cloth . The first layer I apply is a layer of 3/4 ounce cloth . Apply the resin with a brush just enough so that the cloth turns clear and work out the bubbles .You don't have to put resin all over the canopy just around were the molded in frame is with some overlap for trimming
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Next I apply the 6 ounce cloth .The 6 ounce cloth is not as flexible as the 3/4 ounce cloth so it will have to be applied in sections. Apply one piece and work the resin into the cloth until its clear and free of bubbles then move on to another piece over lapping some of the previously applied cloth .Continue this process until the whole canopy is covered .
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Don't stop and wait for the resin to set up As long as the stuff is wet you can continue .So on to the next layer .Its the same process as the first layer of 6 ounce cloth except were the overlaps go move them to a different area so that the frame wont get to thick in spots .Same process with the third layer of 6 ounce cloth
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Now the final layer of 3/4 ounce cloth .I applied this as one piece as well cutting the cloth when it tries to pucker .Don't use good scissors for this you will never get the resin off them so use dollar store scissors.Let the resin cure over night .
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Its now the next day and you can gently pop the frame off the canopy and give it a ruff trim .You can see the mold release in the pic below. Some times it just peals off but if not it can be removed with warm soapy water .
< Message edited by cimara -- 2/15/2008 2:40:19 AM >
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Now with the frame off the canopy you can see were to cut .If you hold it in the light a certain way and the panel lines show up .I have used a marker to show you what I am talking about . Cut around these lines with the die grinder and carbide cutter leaving some fiberglass there ,The resin I leave some glass is because the cutter tends to grab at times .Do this out side with the mask on and with old clothes you don't mind throwing away for the dust is like itching powder and if you wash them in the washing machine your whole household will be itching
Posts: 776
Joined: 9/1/2006 From: atlanta,
GA, USA Status: offline
Finally use the sanding drum to sand the glass back to the edge of the panel line .Some areas will have to be done by hand. Sand the outside of the frame smooth fill and dips pin holes and prime .Apply rivet's paint to finish color then glue to your canopy and attach to your model
Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> RC Warbirds and Warplanes >> The making of a canopy frame 
The making of a canopy frame - 
