Guys
I have never used fibreglass to build part of an enclosure before only as cosmetic on installs, My aim is to build the front, sides, top and bottom from MDF and the back from fibreglass.
What are the pros and cons to look for, Will the box flex? are there problems with the rigidness of the box, How many layers of fibreglass should i use?
Thanks
Replies (3)
cplkittle on 12/16/2003 11:48:26
Same here, only used it on cosmetics. I would assume that you would need to layer it pretty good for larger spans, but I don't know of any set standard. Try what you think will work, then test it out, if it flexes add more.
I would use some type of dampening material also (insulation or polyfill) to reduce reflected sounds within the box.
ttocs on 12/16/2003 16:17:41
if it is done right, it will not flex. What you are wanting to do is not hard, just takes a little more time. Build the sides the way you want it, then we use staples to hold a piece of fleece on the back. You will want to cover the area that the fiberglass will go over with tape, or aluminium foil. If you don't it will not come out very easy, if at all... Once your area is covered, and the fleece is attached, then you just have to mix the resin and hardiner(properly is the important part), and brush it on. Let the the resin dry, then you should be able to pull it out and lay the fiberglass mat on it, with more resin, on the inside of the box. You should build it up to 3/8-1/2" thick.
curtis73 on 12/16/2003 22:08:12
I've tried it a couple ways, each of which worked OK, but it depends on your shape.
If its a simple curve, use a couple cross pieces and bend some luan over it, then fiberglass it to add strength to the luan. If its complex, I tried it with fiberglass screen (like from a screen door) but that let too many drips through and just made a mess. I've also used hardware cloth in places where I wanted to bend it into a shape and have it stay there while I 'glass it.
Go in a few layers, and save yourself some time by getting the thicker fiberglass mat instead of just the cloth. The cloth is ultimately stronger in some opinions, but the mat saves time.
I have never used fibreglass to build part of an enclosure before only as cosmetic on installs, My aim is to build the front, sides, top and bottom from MDF and the back from fibreglass.
What are the pros and cons to look for, Will the box flex? are there problems with the rigidness of the box, How many layers of fibreglass should i use?
Thanks
Replies (3)
cplkittle on 12/16/2003 11:48:26
Same here, only used it on cosmetics. I would assume that you would need to layer it pretty good for larger spans, but I don't know of any set standard. Try what you think will work, then test it out, if it flexes add more.
I would use some type of dampening material also (insulation or polyfill) to reduce reflected sounds within the box.
ttocs on 12/16/2003 16:17:41
if it is done right, it will not flex. What you are wanting to do is not hard, just takes a little more time. Build the sides the way you want it, then we use staples to hold a piece of fleece on the back. You will want to cover the area that the fiberglass will go over with tape, or aluminium foil. If you don't it will not come out very easy, if at all... Once your area is covered, and the fleece is attached, then you just have to mix the resin and hardiner(properly is the important part), and brush it on. Let the the resin dry, then you should be able to pull it out and lay the fiberglass mat on it, with more resin, on the inside of the box. You should build it up to 3/8-1/2" thick.
curtis73 on 12/16/2003 22:08:12
I've tried it a couple ways, each of which worked OK, but it depends on your shape.
If its a simple curve, use a couple cross pieces and bend some luan over it, then fiberglass it to add strength to the luan. If its complex, I tried it with fiberglass screen (like from a screen door) but that let too many drips through and just made a mess. I've also used hardware cloth in places where I wanted to bend it into a shape and have it stay there while I 'glass it.
Go in a few layers, and save yourself some time by getting the thicker fiberglass mat instead of just the cloth. The cloth is ultimately stronger in some opinions, but the mat saves time.
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