Fiberglass supplies
I'm looking at creating my own molds for the fiberglass body of my helicopter as the factory replacements are over-priced. I was just wondering if anyone had any recommended product brands or places to purchase supplies such as the resin itself, gelcoat, release agent, etc.
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Re: Fiberglass supplies
I've made my own canopies - takes time and will involve using some toxic chemicals. Lots of articles on this topic. All my supplies came from www.fibertek.ca in Burnaby, B.C. Good luck
I was very satisfied with what I did and what I had accomplished. Someone could mention that the 18MZ isn't worth that kind of money either :-) But it's pride of ownership. |
Re: Fiberglass supplies
Thanks... I understand the nature of the chemicals, protection required, work involved to make the molds, but in the long run, feel it may be worth it. To replace the canopy, tail boom and fins, JR wants $665. I just don't think those parts are worth that kind of money.
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Re: Fiberglass supplies
Any other input from anyone? Online ordering sources?
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Re: Fiberglass supplies
Do you know what tools and materials you will need? as in resin type = poly, - vinyl, - ortho, waxed, unwaxed and the application difference. gel coat, both tooling for mold making and finishing for parts production - styrene, - acetone, - mek catalyst, pva air dry, cloth weights, - mat weights and strand quality? Ordering any of these required materials is a crap shoot at its best in what quality you will get if you do not know specifically what you are ordering. The cost of shipping is classed as dangerous goods and could be as much or more expensive than the materials them self.
I purchase from Fibertek Myself as suggested by Ken, and shipping the short distance in province from Burnaby to Vernon is VERY expensive but they have become the only supplier in British Columbia that carries the quality materials needed in our hobby for both strength and weight so I purchase in large quantities as I do a lot of fiberglass fabricating. Not knowing any industries in the Regina area I would suggest you try sourcing out local performance boat builders, RV service companies, maybe water slide manufacturers. Another good place for help and information might be your local Municipal Airport and full size flying club. Lots of home build full size Aircraft guys know of or have reliable sources and might even have materials in their hangars they could help you with. Without experience, a proper shop to work in, some basic materials and tools, producing your own parts of acceptable weight and quality can make the cost of purchasing brand parts less expensive than you might think. That being said once you get setup and learn what products and materials to use and how to use them producing your own parts can be very rewarding to both yourself and your flying buddies. Good luck in Your venture. Brian T. |
Re: Fiberglass supplies
Dave I just looked up Your machine and it seems to be of a large enough size that You could be successful at reproducing Your own parts. It's the really small stuff in our hobby that makes reproduction concerns of weight and strength difficult. Just try and keep your glass fiber at 60% to resin at 40% mix as max resin to fiber content, less resin with good fiber saturation is what you are trying to achieve as all your strength is in the fiber and more resin just makes the part brittle.
Brian T. |
Re: Fiberglass supplies
Coast Fiber-tec, Aircraft Spruce and Composites Canada are companies I have ordered from on occasion.
For resins, you would be looking for Laminating resin. Myself, I only purchase epoxy as everything else would stink me out of the house. West Systems comes in litre containers and has handy pumps available for dispensing. As far as glass goes, 2oz cloth should work for most things hobby related. Nick |
Re: Fiberglass supplies
Thanks again.... some good leads on what kind of places to look at locally which would be more ideal. I have a garage to work in, so I can stink that up :p. The parts involved are simple enough in design that I'm confident that I can make some decent molds to work with. Not too concerned if they end up coming out a bit heavier as the heli has plenty of grunt, so if they do come out heavier, call it a learning experience for the next set.
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Re: Fiberglass supplies
Glad We could help, what Nick says is good as well Epoxy resin has the advantage of no stink, lighter weight and better flexibility over the poly / vinyl ester products that I use for mold and parts making. The poly / vinyl ester resins have a better flow / saturation rate than epoxy resins and the cure time is far faster with the poly / vinyl resins. the difference between laminating = non waxed and finishing = waxed resins is that the laminating = non waxed resins cure with a tacky surface allowing more laminate applications without surface prep. Finishing = waxed resins will cure to a hard dry surface ready for paint prep. Cloth fiber provides strength, Mat fiber provides rigidity.
Aqua Set is another excellent epoxy product very similar to West System but I have found Aqua Set to be easier to laminate with due to it's lesser viscosity. Brian T. |
Re: Fiberglass supplies
Another tip is The best parting agent is a good quality Carnauba automotive paste wax. Wax on wax off at least five times allowing two hours between each wax off to wax on or the next wax on will penetrate the previous waxing defeating the layered buildup.
Brian T. |
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