Building Methods

[rwatson]

Enjoyed the site. Many thanks for that info. Very interesting.

Couple of things that drove you mad, I found myself.

Get a really good jigsaw (that B&D el cheapo caused a lot of probs - I know) - a bandsaw is even better

Use MDF, not pressed wood for moulds (if you can get it there) so that you dont have to fill the edges with bog.

One thing I am dying to try, is to put glass sheet on the outside of the foam so it is self fairing.

[Manie B]

Well gents, it sure was nice to get an "update" on current opinions and views. For me it was interesting to see were the different techniques are used and by whom and for what. Thanks for all your input. As some of you have probably realised i am going for the "basket" method which is actually similar to themanshed, just a different core. I will update when i can, and then you will have the opportunity to see first hand Manie's Microcruiser my take on the method using locally available materials.

Keep in mind that in our third world country we can only use what is freely available, i simply cannot take the risk of using something and then find out in 6 months time that i have to switch suppliers and/or materials. Irony is that epoxy, marine ply and 2pack paint, comes to the same sort of costs as multiple layers of glass, polyester and gel coat.

enjoy

[rwatson]

http://www.boatdesign.net/articles/foam-core/

"Processing with FRP: Foam cores can be used in almost all forms of fiberglass/advanced composite fabrication. The three main processes that utilize sandwich construction, hand layup/spray up, vacuum bagging/infusion, and prepreg/autoclave can all produce durable end products if they are executed correctly.

In hand layup/spray up applications, the core/skin bond has the chance to be compromised the most of all the processes"

Looks like vacuum bagging is pretty important

[themanshed]

Good luck and have fun.