How many layers of fiberglass?

[ondarvr]

Yes, AI has become a factor, and it is frequently wrong, or the answers are incomplete.

I joined this forum in 2005 with 40 years of experience, at that time forums like this were the best ways to get a better understanding of the industry from people that have actual experience making a living at it. Over the last few years with all the other social media platforms competing for the same space, and a very low bar for contributing, finding factual and correct answers is more difficult.

I'm on a few composite Facebook user groups, the amount of absolute BS about composites is astounding. And you are frequently trying to correct a statement made by someone that didn't know what fiberglass was until a couple of weeks ago, but they read something and now they can give advice as if they are a seasoned professional. I looked at the background of someone I was disagreeing with about .2% catalyzation being a good idea, he was a young real estate agent in California.

This group has been time tested and provides solid information. Challenging each other to back up statements, ideas and opinions is fine. It requires proof you have the knowledge base to at least have an opinion, and let's others know why you may believe what you said.

On other platforms you absolutely need to state your background on the subject because most people that post don't even have a basic understanding of the subject. I've become more accustom to that format.

There are long stretches of time that I don't post or reply to anything on this site, it's because I have nothing to add of any value to the conversation, much of it is about wooden vessels, sailing, and other aspects of boat design. Quite a bit of my history was presented in the last few weeks over a couple of threads. All of it can be verified with a little searching.

I haven't seen many others lay out their history in the same way, there are a few, but not many. Maybe they assume others know what their work history is, or they don't want them to know.

My history is a bit unusual and benefits me a great deal. I had 30 years on the fabrication and production side prior the 30 years I've put in on the product development, testing, and tech service side. Most people have experience on only one side of the industry.

 

[TANSL]

It doesn't seem positive to have to give so much information (3 chapters, 3) about what one believes oneself to be; it would seem there's a fear that no one could have guessed it without so much explanation.

When one exposes their life and miracles in such a stark way, in a public, free, and democratic forum like this, they open themselves up to someone giving their opinion, commenting on it, or making an assessment of it.

I prefer not to display my wonders (which I have, or so I believe) and let people form their own opinions based on my contributions to this forum.

 

[ondarvr]

It doesn't seem positive to have to give so much information (3 chapters, 3) about what one believes oneself to be; it would seem there's a fear that no one could have guessed it without so much explanation.

When one exposes their life and miracles in such a stark way, in a public, free, and democratic forum like this, they open themselves up to someone giving their opinion, commenting on it, or making an assessment of it.

I prefer not to display my wonders (which I have, or so I believe) and let people form their own opinions based on my contributions to this forum.

Hiding behind a mask?
I know a little of what you say, but you don't appear to offer much to display your full knowledge of the subject. Or your complete background, but I may not be paying attention.

I don't have anything to hide, and it wasn't until recently when I seriously started thinking about my retirement that I looked back at the rather unusual history I had in the industry. And at this point it's kind of a "been there done that" experience over the last 60 years. Your "just a salesman" comment really got me thinking about where I fit in in this industry, and that started the ball rolling on a bit of my history. Again, I said that was the short version.

If someone has only worked in one aspect of composites they typically don't get to see what goes on in the bigger picture of it. If you have been in several hundred boat building facilities over several decades and worked with very qualified people in the industry, you get to see the good cutting edge stuff, and the garbage that doesn't work. And that's just on the marine side of it.

Then you need to add in the excellent chemists and researchers at the resin and gel coat companies, working side by side with them was a great learning experience.

 

[kapnD]

I think we should expect to get very differing views of any subject on a public forum, and not be surprised when things turn a bit testy, but when it gets personal and nasty, I’d love it if the arguing participants would “take it out back” by DM, as the readership I am familiar with is not impressed, and is here only to gain/share knowledge.
I don’t blame the OP for disappearing, but his query could have led to productive discussion had he returned with adequate details.
I too posted a shot in the dark suggestion early on, unquantified, but simply based on what I know about model boats, so I guess I am also running the chance of having the big guns trained my way!

 

[Boat Design Net Moderator]

rowann, if you want to get more input, please start a new thread and post a more detailed question that would include more details to be able to get a more useful answer.