randylervold
moderator
Fiberglass gurus,
After trying to get the metal skirt to fit on my RV-3 I'm giving up -- I'm convinced God just didn't intend aluminum to be used for compound curves, fiberglass on the other hand is perfectly suited for that. No worries with laying it up and such (West Systems and 9 oz crowfoot e-glass), but what I'd appreciate are some ideas on are how to craft a molding surface. I will pop rivet my tipover plexi bubble to the frame in every other hole, which I will later drill out, so there won't need to be an clecos and thus I can layup onto the plexi. But what do I use to create a form from the plexi down to the fuselage, or to bridge the gap along the sides? This is way too much area for the traditional modeling clay we use for intersection fairings.
If I use any sort of tape it will create an uneven layup and require lots of sanding and filling, something I'd rather avoid. I was thinking of using expandable foam around the front and rear sections (won't work on the sides) and then sculpting it. Seems like I heard that the cans of foam you can buy at Home Depot aren't good because they contain formaldehyde, not sure why that's bad though.
Spruce has Poly-Cell 100 Polyurethane Foam
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/polycel.php
and Liquid "X30" Foam
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/x30foam.php
Anyone had an experience with either of these? When using foam, do you lay up directly on it, or coat it with something first?
And lastly, what would be a good way to create a surface on the sides? Here's a pic of what I'm dealing with...
http://www.romeolima.com/RV3works/Gallery/DSC_0899.jpg
Thanks!
After trying to get the metal skirt to fit on my RV-3 I'm giving up -- I'm convinced God just didn't intend aluminum to be used for compound curves, fiberglass on the other hand is perfectly suited for that. No worries with laying it up and such (West Systems and 9 oz crowfoot e-glass), but what I'd appreciate are some ideas on are how to craft a molding surface. I will pop rivet my tipover plexi bubble to the frame in every other hole, which I will later drill out, so there won't need to be an clecos and thus I can layup onto the plexi. But what do I use to create a form from the plexi down to the fuselage, or to bridge the gap along the sides? This is way too much area for the traditional modeling clay we use for intersection fairings.
If I use any sort of tape it will create an uneven layup and require lots of sanding and filling, something I'd rather avoid. I was thinking of using expandable foam around the front and rear sections (won't work on the sides) and then sculpting it. Seems like I heard that the cans of foam you can buy at Home Depot aren't good because they contain formaldehyde, not sure why that's bad though.
Spruce has Poly-Cell 100 Polyurethane Foam
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/polycel.php
and Liquid "X30" Foam
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cmpages/x30foam.php
Anyone had an experience with either of these? When using foam, do you lay up directly on it, or coat it with something first?
And lastly, what would be a good way to create a surface on the sides? Here's a pic of what I'm dealing with...
http://www.romeolima.com/RV3works/Gallery/DSC_0899.jpg
Thanks!
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