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Canopy Material

Old 09-30-2011, 10:22 AM
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jim_franks
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Default Canopy Material

Have to replace a canopy made out of sheet plastic. The question is if I want to buy plastic sheet to have on hand to do this. What is the correct type of plastic to use and how thick should it be? What are the best suppliers to get it from? I try to use plastic from store packages which work great, but the best ones I found are in toy packages or X-Mas gift boxes. I don't have younger kids anymore (good excuse to buy the kids toys) and my supply is gone. Any answers?
Old 09-30-2011, 10:29 AM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

2 or 3 liter soda bottles work great.
Old 09-30-2011, 10:44 AM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

Typically .030 or .040 PETG

http://www.bing.com/search?q=PETG+Plastic&FORM=QSRE1

Call around you local plastic dealers,,,
Old 09-30-2011, 11:02 AM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

I buy mine at Hobbytown. It's K&S Engineering plastic sheets. The stuff I have been using is .010 and works very well. This company is located in Chicago www.ksmetals.com
773-586-8503
Old 09-30-2011, 12:43 PM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

GB,, .010 is pretty thin,, you sure?

After re-reading the OP I was thinking vacuum forming not flat sheet
I guess it depends on what you're using it for,, The bigger the pull the thicker you want it
Old 09-30-2011, 05:55 PM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

I have always purchased mine from SIG.....I think their largest size is 18 x 18. It's been quite a while since I have purchased any because I buy them a dozen or more at a time..
Old 09-30-2011, 06:38 PM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

Thanks for all the fast answers to my questions. I'm on the way to order a few sheets to get the repairs done so I can fly this plane.
Old 09-30-2011, 09:26 PM
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ORIGINAL: scale only 4 me

GB,, .010 is pretty thin,, you sure?

After re-reading the OP I was thinking vacuum forming not flat sheet
I guess it depends on what you're using it for,, The bigger the pull the thicker you want it
I walked out and got the package and had it in front of me when I wrote it. .010 is what the package said. If you really want me to check it I can. I buy my big canopys and use this to make my own smaller ones. It forms very well over a plug.
Old 09-30-2011, 11:44 PM
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Default RE: Canopy Material

I never thought about using a large canopy to create smaller ones.....I have several large ones just collecting dust on the shelf.....Thanks for the idea!
Old 10-01-2011, 07:48 AM
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ORIGINAL: sebo

I never thought about using a large canopy to create smaller ones.....I have several large ones just collecting dust on the shelf.....Thanks for the idea!
And then sometime down the road your going to need that big canopy and not have the right one. I just finished a 1/4 scale Sukhoi, I had the canopy on hand for several years just collecting dust. Today it's being used. If I didn't have it I would have had to spend another $35.00 for a new one. Sheets of plastic are a lot cheaper. I have a number of different types of them in a closet and sooner or later they get used again. I also have glass cowls for 40+% down to 40 size. Just things to keep a look out for at swap meets and auctions.

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