Best softwood species to glass over

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by burke, Dec 14, 2016.

  1. burke
    Joined: May 2014
    Posts: 58
    Likes: 1, Points: 8, Legacy Rep: 16
    Location: Maine

    burke Junior Member

    Making a crowned pilot roof cross beam, 1.5" wide by 1.8 high with 4" crown over 7'. What is a good wood species which will work well with poly resin and fiberglass? No loads above the roof, just want the resin to bond well. So strength not an issue, just bonding adhesion as poly is poor at that. Thinking of soft wood for weight, cost, and ease of working issues.

    Thinking of pine, spruce, or east. fir/hem. Will shape, sand with 60 grit before a saturation coat of laminating resin (thinned with 5% styrene) and fabric.

    Thanks
     
  2. hoytedow
    Joined: Sep 2009
    Posts: 5,857
    Likes: 400, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 2489
    Location: Control Group

    hoytedow Carbon Based Life Form

    Douglas fir is excellent for such work. Hemlock and spruce have also served well to receive the treatment. I would avoid heavy resin soaked wood.
     
  3. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    Pine and spruce get good adhesion.
     
  4. dirtydiego41
    Joined: Jan 2017
    Posts: 29
    Likes: 0, Points: 1, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: avila beach

    dirtydiego41 Junior Member

    I laminated 2 pieces of 3/4 marine ply with epoxy for my rafters, pretty close to your dimensions. Zero flex in my roof. I'm a little late to the party, but maybe it will help someone out. I have glassed over tons of doug fir, but something to keep in mind is tight grain. Any water intrusion into the pulp wood that is mostly for sale now will expand the wood and split the glass.
     

  5. gaza
    Joined: Jul 2013
    Posts: 16
    Likes: 0, Points: 1, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: queensland

    gaza Junior Member

    Pauloni is excellent to glass in epoxy . I glassed a 23 ft paulonia strip racing hull with 8 oz carbon fibre with 6 oz glass over the crabon. Just make sure theres no gaps where air can cause bubbles.
    Gaza
     
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