Vacuum bag leak detectors.

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Fgayford, Jun 10, 2012.

  1. Fgayford
    Joined: Nov 2011
    Posts: 43
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Cambridge Ontario Canada

    Fgayford Junior Member

    Have any of you guys used these ultrasonic leak detectors for vacuum bagging? What do you think of them ? Are they worth the money?
    Thanks
    Fred
     
  2. variverrunner
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 98
    Likes: 8, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 85
    Location: New York, USA

    variverrunner Junior Member

  3. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
    Posts: 2,640
    Likes: 125, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 1802
    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    I have only made boats to 40 feet with vacuum bags, but we simply pulled a vacuum and then left it to stand to see if there were any leaks, we use stethascopes (plastic tubes stuck in the ears) to listen for leaks, works very well.
     
  4. variverrunner
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 98
    Likes: 8, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 85
    Location: New York, USA

    variverrunner Junior Member

    leak detecting stethascopes


    Landlobber,


    The stethascope with a plastic tube sounds like a great idea. Do you add the plastic tube to a stock scope, or purchase them already made? If so, how do you do it?


    Allan
     
  5. Fgayford
    Joined: Nov 2011
    Posts: 43
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Cambridge Ontario Canada

    Fgayford Junior Member

    I have a doctors stethscope but find it hard to find to find really small leaks.
    Fred
     
  6. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
    Posts: 2,640
    Likes: 125, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 1802
    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    I never use the heart end piece, just a piece of tubing, it really screams at you when you hear a leak.
     
  7. Herman
    Joined: Oct 2004
    Posts: 1,618
    Likes: 94, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 1240
    Location: The Netherlands

    Herman Senior Member

    I have 3 different leak detectors, really should be testing them side by side.

    For me, they are worth their weight in gold.
     
  8. Fgayford
    Joined: Nov 2011
    Posts: 43
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Cambridge Ontario Canada

    Fgayford Junior Member

    Hi Herman
    Its one thing to find the leak around the tacky tape seal but what if the leak is somewhere over the many square feet of the bag? Can your detectors find them easily?
    Please describe just how good they are and what we can expect from them.
    Thanks
    Fred
     
  9. Tungsten
    Joined: Nov 2011
    Posts: 488
    Likes: 10, Points: 18, Legacy Rep: 75
    Location: Canada

    Tungsten Senior Member


  10. coolgps
    Joined: Jun 2012
    Posts: 53
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Xiamen

    coolgps Junior Member

    It works great to find leaks on vacuum bag.
     
Loading...
Similar Threads
  1. brokensheer
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    1,974
  2. ahender
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,603
  3. KD8NPB
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    2,099
  4. fly186
    Replies:
    24
    Views:
    4,208
  5. brokensheer
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    1,449
  6. abosely
    Replies:
    19
    Views:
    10,722
  7. Ctowles
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    3,303
  8. skoffic
    Replies:
    12
    Views:
    3,373
  9. Fgayford
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    3,329
  10. flamenco
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    4,547
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.