Fiberglass suppliers / what to ask for

[Boatmik]

Howdy Paul,
Interesting that you call Dynel a high tech ... it was popular here in the 50s and 60s. But we all ended up switching over to glass. I am trying to think why.

I think maybe because now it is so usual that there will be glass in part of the structure ... so it makes sense just to go that way ... as you say.

Also with glass you can overlap a bit and grind it out or feather it ... but dynel's abrasion resistance makes that fairing a pain. At least it did before the advent of random and fixed drive orbit sanders!!!

Maybe I am reluctant because I don't like materials that just do one job. Dynel only offers good abrasion resistance and doesn't make the structure any stronger like glass does. I am still thinking about it ... as you can probably tell!

Best wishes
Michael

[PAR]

Yes, the polyester fabrics have been around for a long time. I should clarify in that by high tech I mean high modulus fabrics, which Dynel isn't technically. I do use it on decks a lot because of it's abrasion resistance, ability to conform to compound curves and it's cost. In areas I want more protection I'll use Xynole, which is almost 6 times more abrasion resistant then regular S 'glass. If you think Dynel is touch come time to fair it in, try knocking down some Kevlar.

[Pagie]

I just bought a roll of 50mm 6oz tape, 50mtrs roll for $27.40 delivered.

[Boatmik]

Kevlar ... yep ... vacuum bag, peel ply and fair over the top of it! Grinding (I mean fraying) kevlar IS a pain.

[Stopper]

I agree. The problem with woven cloth is that air bubbles can occur at the point where the weave crosses over. Google polymerdaystars' prices as a supplier to the trade.