Need advice on building my jig/mold

Ok Im building a 1 off boat for now. I know how to build the jig etc, But I don't know the right laminate to place over jig to get a smooth easy to release finish. Should I use luan? or get a pvc material.? or something completely diff?
I plan to destroy the boat after test sails to make a mold out of it. The jig will most likely be just for the one off. I need cheap, quick, and easy.... all relative of coarse.

20 ft sailboat . quick ,easy shape, out of glass, and not sure on epoxy or vinylester.

 

If it's a chine hull glossy melamine covered mdf works well male or female.

 

Yes / \ is good although even cheaper, but not as stiff is the melamine faced hardboard. A coat of release wax on it and it will pop off.

Although I've not tried this possible method myself - might be worth looking at shrink wrapping in polythene - if it will go down without a crease!. Could work on a smooth faired stiffish foam EPS? former.

 

uh - you are going to build a hull from expensive materials to destriy it ? Whats wrong with good old Polyester for a test hull ??

not in a milliion years

 

You can look at temporary mold progress here:

http://albatrossdesign.livejournal.com/68174.html
http://albatrossdesign.livejournal.com/69417.html

Such mold can be used to pop out 1-4 hulls. We use this method for one-off boats and small series. Much cheaper than kits, such as ATL.

 

Fascinating stuff Alik

Whats the best surfacing for these kinds of moulds ?

 

There are options. Most common - laminated MDF, it is smooth.
This one on photo will sprayed/painted.

Of course, some filler is needed after demuolding, in some areas.

 

yeah "sprayed/painted." - that's what I meant. Wouldn't you have to epoxy it for stability then bog it - then what would be the best top coat ?

 

Actually there is one builder I know who sprays it. Will check what they use.

Others just use laminated MDF.

 

Its just that the pictures show plain MDF- that would make a useless surface to layup on. Even white mdf is tricky enough, especially if you have to seal between joins.

 

You cant lay on plain MDF; the surface on photos will be painted. On the white stuff one can lay the laminate; the joints are treated by filler.

It much depends what kind of craft is being built. If it is a commercial boat the requirements to finish are not as high as to yacht, especially in underwater area. For yacht, some filler should be used.

We use this method for years, as with vacuum bagging of core and with infusion.

 

Well maybe a bit of experimentation would help but worth a try for some projects. Not had PE not come off polyester or epoxy yet.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/...0dIT2HIeRBvgtfFzNJnbARIN6JQgJZj0JwTAqLwMqycrQ

 

Yeah - thats what I said ...

"plain MDF- that would make a useless surface to layup on"

Its what you coat the plain mdf with before layup that I am asking about.

 

Use release wax, that's it.

 

Your sure ?

Just wax on plain mdf ?

Even on the smooth side, that sounds like a good way to destroy the mould in one layup.

I will do a few test bits, but i have reservations.