Vettster

Hi all. Anybody here have experience with Polyester to fabricate airplanes. I have a enough experience with epoxy but know nothing about Poly and would like (ha ha) am being forced to move to poly because the price of epoxy in Canada is now over $300 a gallon if you have it shipped vrs about $100 for poly.

Some questions for starts..
Waxed or Non waxed resin.. whats the diff and when to use
Since poly apparently doesn't bond well..even to its self, how do you join two fuselage half's
If you make a plug out of blue foam.. what tooling coat to use

More questions to follow. Here's my latest build. The Wet Jet She's 72" long

Vettster

Decided to stick with Epoxy. Its far superior in every way but cost. Wow.. RCU is DEAD!

carlgrover

Your plane is incredible. I don't come over here often but it sure was nice to see those pics.

I assume you're talking about polyester finishing resin? I did one plane with this stuff many years ago and the overwhelming disadvantage with it is the smell. The second I cracked open the can I had a headache. However; it is very hard and I think I may start using it again because the epoxy's I've been using dent way too easily. I've never made any fiberglass parts using it so no comment there. You can use Bondo from any auto parts store or even Walmart. It's probably the cheapest polyester finishing resin available.

carl

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

Carl, I have a theory that the epoxies you have been using are of the marine grade and are made to remain somewhat flexible. In all respects, a good quality aircraft grade epoxy is far superior to polyester.

Vettster

Thanks for the compliment Carl. I think Speedracerntirixie has a point. There are several types of epoxy for all different purposes. I use Aeropoxy available at Spruce Aircraft. Its Very hard when fully cured.