Building a plug & mold

[Itchy]

Where can I get info or a link on building a plug and mold or a fiberglass boat hull and deck?
I'm looking for a "how to" step by step process.
I've worked on and restored many boats but never built one from start to finish and would like to build a very limited production, small power boat.

Thanks

[rturbett]

Itchy- let me know if you would like info on what NOT to do when making a male mold. I'm an expert there!
In my limited experience, I would definitely say that making a plug and female mold would be the way to go if you plan on making more than 2 hulls.
My arms are sore from longboarding to try to get a smooth finish on a hull built off of a male mold.
Rob

[Itchy]

Info on what not to do would be just as valuable. What type of boat are you building?
Any info at all is very much appreciated

[rturbett]

Building a shark catamaran. Many of my mistakes were in building a male mold with not enough "Beef" . Whimpy often means warping. Build it with the right materiels the first time, and you will save a lot in the long run.
Rob

[fiberglass jack]

A plug is a excact replica or prototype of the finsh boat you will spend most of your time on the plug ,get it right and defects will transfare to the mould and every boat will have your signature on it,

[Itchy]

Thanks for all the info. I'm really looking for some pics and info on the process of building the plug. I've got the basics down but trying to get all the info I can before starting on a big project like this. Also trying to keep the trial and error to a min.

[dereksireci]

Cook Composites & Polymers publishes the "Composites Application Guide"

You need part 8 on tooling.


In Part Eight
Chapter I. Introduction
Chapter II. The Master Model (plug)
Chapter II. Master Model Preparation
Chapter IV. Applying Release Wax to Models and Molds
Chapter V. Building a Mold
Chapter VI. Mold Surface Distortion
Chapter VII. Mold Break-In Procedures
Chapter VIII. Mold Maintenance
Chapter IX. Mold Resurfacing
Chapter X. Mold Storage
Chapter XI. Special Precautions

djs

[Itchy]

Where would I find that book?

[dereksireci]

Available only from Cook Composites for around $100.

Valspar also has a less detailed publication.

http://www.valsparcomposites.com/com...moldmaking.jsp

djs

[Itchy]

dereksireci- nice link. I appreciate the all help
Did you get my email?

[ondarvr]

The Cook Book is also on CD, if you give me your email address I'll try to send it to you. You'll need a high speed connection though, it's big.

[Itchy]

Thanks ondarvr I would appreciate it

email is aaronklos@aol.com

[dberr]

Originally Posted by ondarvr

The Cook Book is also on CD, if you give me your email address I'll try to send it to you. You'll need a high speed connection though, it's big.

Hello,
I have been reading this forum for several weeks. Lots of great information here. I build and repair inflatables and RIBs in Toronto. I am always interested in learning more about composites. I can't find any reference to the Cook book on their website and none of my suppliers are aware of it.

Can I ask for a copy via email too?

Thanks, DB

[ondarvr]

dberr

They are very expensive to publish and hard to come by, only good customers get them for free (book form), the CDs are handed out more freely and Composites One might be able to get you one. Just looked, you're in Toronto, so it would be Progress Plastics. I don't have any books left myself, and only a few CDs, but I do have an order in for some.

[dberr]

Ondarvr,

Thanks. I'll contact Progress Plastics.

DB