alrite well my question goes as follows, is it possible to make custom fiberglass enclosures in a home garage. i am untrained and don't know how to work with it really or where to get the supplies. is there a place on the net i that would go through making these types of enclosures. i was just thinking that it would look better and its always fun to learn something new so i thought i would see what you guys said. is it possible for me to do this or should i just leave it to the pros?
Replies (25)
P0werLifter on 09/23/2004 23:21:58
Ive just started working with fiberglass in the past 2 weeks and plan on constructing my next enclosure out of MDF and Fiberglass combined.
So far i havnt had many problems as long as you understand the basics, Getting the resin/hardner mix is pivitol and making sure you seal off the area where you plan to resin/fiberglass at is also very important.
How many enclosures have you built so far?
Heres an article on Fiberglassing
http://www.clubknowledge.com/Car_Audio_FAQ/?t23
Goodluck
-Jason
swez on 09/24/2004 01:15:59
I was browsing Google on custom kick panels and there was a fellow that has a DVD out on custom fiberglass techniques. Have no idea what his price is on the package...but it sounds like a very good resource if you are really serious about custom glassing techniques. Let's see if I can find that link for you.
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/how_to_fiberglass/how_to_fiberglass.htm
Swez
Internet price: $40.00
P0werLifter on 09/24/2004 03:29:35
I ordered a 3 DVD set from www.GlassworkzDVD.com and it was pretty helpful. Could have been a little better cameraship and better music but it was overall helpful for around the same price. Not only that but you can email the dude any he helps you out.
-Jason
ttocs on 09/24/2004 03:44:08
Glass is really not that hard once you are used to it, just very messy. You can build whatever you want outta the stuff from your garage, that is the beauty of it.
oldmazda on 09/24/2004 13:57:09
alrite well i think i might be willing to give it a shot but i don't really know where to find the supplies and what tools i need. would i be able to find this stuff at a home depot or something like that or would i have to go to a custom install shop and buy from there?
P0werLifter on 09/24/2004 14:05:50
Orchard has some resin/hardner, so does homedepot. As far as the fiberglass matting i ordered it from Cardomain.com under the custom installation section, or you can go to a boat shop or aplace that deals with fiberglassing in your area, they should be able to see you supplies.
-Jason
oldmazda on 09/24/2004 17:06:27
is it almost like bondo that you can buy to fix holes in fiberglass hulls of boats and stuff or is it diferent?
P0werLifter on 09/25/2004 04:48:55
ehh..its storta like bondo yah in a way, where you buy the resin, the hardner, then mix is together to provide the right mix to where it wont take FOREVER to harden GRIN
oldmazda on 09/25/2004 18:55:45
if i were to build an enclosure out of both fiberglass and mdf how would i attact the mdf to the fiberglass. i would like to build an enclosure out of all fiberglass but in one of the links it was suggested that i shouldn't do this because of fiberglas's weak qualities when used in flat sheets. also is it possible to use plexi-glass rather than mdf with fiberglass or would it end up looking not so good?
swez on 09/26/2004 06:57:05
From what I have read about glassing, some use MDF as the inner shell and then go over it with a few layers of cloth and resin/hardners. Once all is cured and hard, can go back and sand out imperfections, use BONDO as a filler and complete the finishing but sanding and then paint.
However, if the shell is a very curved or irregular shape, then making a form mold, then laying down several layers of cloth/R&H are fine. Fiberglass is very dense and thickness can be varied to create strength and anti-resonance properties desirable in speaker applications. For small speakers.. (mid/highs) the thickness can be as little as 1/4" For sub applications, figure 3/8-1/2" is plenty strong. The thicker you go, the more steps involved and weight (mass) are involved.
The key (from my readings on this subject) are a good mold form and accurate internal airspace in the design. Allowing adequate time for curing between layers and plenty of sanding/filling can provide excellent results. The heavier the cloth used, the less steps needed to build up thickness desired.
Are you ready to build anything yet?
Swez
oldmazda on 09/26/2004 16:45:33
almost... i've learned a lot but i still have a few quesitons. when i am putting down the fiberglass i start with a layer of fiberglass then i have to cover it with cloth then another layer of fiberglass then more cloth and so on? what kind of cloth are you talking about and where would i get it?
swez on 09/26/2004 17:33:43
There are 3 basic components to fiberglassing:
1. Resin
2. Hardener
3. Cloth
The resin and hardener are mixed like a 2 part epoxy. The ratios are key to a solid form when cured. Too little hardener and the stuff takes forever to cure. Too much hardener and the stuff has a short pot life as it hardens too fast.
The cloth can be anything from fiberglass strips to burlap sack material. The heavier the cloth used, the more rapidly you can build up thickness in layers. The cloth is more or less the shape forming component while the R/H provide the tacky glue that hardens while curing. This is where the strength and density come from... THE GLUE!
As I understand it, you make a mold (shaper) cover the mold in plastic and coat with a releasing agent. Then, mix up a batch of R/H and either dip the cloth or lay cloth and coat with H/R. Let it cure and you have the first layer. Once cure is complete, repeat the steps over again until desire thickness is obtained.
Finally, remove the rough shape from the mold, fill, sand and shape until you have a nice finish. Light coats of BONDO are good for filling in surface imperfections. Once that is to where you want it, prime and paint.
http://www.bcae1.com/fibrglas.htm
Swez
PS Am sure others have more details to help you. But these are the basics in fiberglass molded shapes. Low cost, very strong and dense... but very messy and labor intensive.
P0werLifter on 09/27/2004 01:05:24
Swez has it correct....You lay down your fiberglass matt 1st...then mix your resin/hardner together then apply it to the fiberglassing matting, making sure you really soak the resin/hardner mix into the material to make sure it will be a nice and solid piece. after that dries, add more Fiberglass Matt and repeat the process.
Once you get it to the right thickness you desire, sand it down smooth (make sure you wear long sleeves, and a respirator..fiberglass dust is horrible) , add bondo, sand that down smooth then paint, or cover with a material. (But after you've spent all that time, might want to paint it to show off your hard work and your craftsmanship) GRIN...
thats about it i think as far as the basics go
-Jason
oldmazda on 09/27/2004 01:18:21
sorry guys just one last question. for each layer of fiberglass you put on a layer of cloth? so you would put down some fiberglass and they put down some cloth let harden then just repeat the steps or do you put fiberglass down then cloth then fiberglass on the side that is still exposed? and this can be any random peice of cloth or fabric you say or does it have to be cotton or polyester or i don't know really? on the link that was just suggested it says to use grille cloth, and i don't really know what that is.
P0werLifter on 09/27/2004 01:33:20
When im refering to fiberglass matting...its actually chopped fiberglass cloth/matt you can purchase. You can order it from www.Cardomain.com for like $15 i think..pretty cheap.
If you want to use something thats an actual fabric, use something stretchy and strong, like a carpet trunk carpet thats polyester. As long as its strong.. stretchy and can hold the resin/ hardner blend you'll be fine.
Fiberglass Matt...Apply resin/hardner mix..soak in let it dry,,add more fiberglass matt...apply resin/hardner mix..soak..let it dry..etc...its a very long process.
What are you going to be building again? MDF might be an easier path if you havnt built many enclosures b4 and lack time. Also you can use MDF and fiberglass combined to created a sturdy enclosure not just straight fibeglass.
-Jason
ttocs on 09/27/2004 14:14:04
the matting is the glass. You lay the matting or cloth, mix the hardner and the resin, and then put that mixture on the cloth. When the resin hardins on/in the cloth, you have one layer. Repeat this until you can stand on it...
And also as swez said getting the mixture right in important, and it varies with temp and humidity. Putting in too much hardener will make it hard very fast, and it can also catch fire. Watch for smoke....
uochronos on 09/27/2004 14:48:08
ya ttocs is right here the matting is the fiberglass its best not to use other amterials some materials well even be disolved by the resin hardener mix others well work. the local place i have gone to has around 25 differnt cloths, and matting on hand and more the can order from stretchy stuff to thick almost inflexable stuff.
the place is tapp plastic i believe the have a web site www.taplastic.com cant order stuff from it i dont think but it showes everything they have.
Chronos
ttocs on 09/27/2004 18:13:09
it is common to start off with material like fleece or even grill cloth as the glass matting does not stretch. Once you get the shape with these materials, start laying your matting and resin on top of the other material...
I have never had any issues with material being disolved, dunno?
oldmazda on 09/27/2004 19:59:14
i am not in a really big hurry and was just kind of hoping to learn something and try it out in the p.o.s. truck that i have now so that i could do something really neat when i get the chance i was hoping to try this out with just cheap materials that would still work, and when you guys said cloth and fleece i really started thinking wal-mart here i come... i don't need anything really high quality for my truck for now so is there some material i could just buy from wal mart or something that'd work even if not well, so that i could just try my hand at this interesting work. i don't really care how much time it takes i would just like to keep costs down so that i can afford to get a vehicle i can do something sweet it. by the way all the feedback i've been getting is absolutely astonishing i've been going to this site for a while now and it still amazes me that you take time out to answer all of my stupid little questions :) thanks
uochronos on 09/28/2004 03:43:43
dont know what it was they used ttocs. but i had a friend try and use some material that was stretchy not sure what and perhaps disolve was not the right word but it did not hold up it simply fell apart in places after resin was aplied and made a very lumpy area that didnt work well. he had to start over.
as for you Oldmazda walmart actualy sells fiberglass matting. honestly its very cheap soemthing like under 5$ for a cheap pack of it...
honestly i wouldnt go using another material for every layer the resin is what makes it hard but the matting is the actual fiberglass it gives it alot of the strength. also my personal idea has always been start with the rigth materials and move onto differnt materials once you have it down.. if you dont learn doing it the proper way it can be much harder and cost more moeny to learn. thats just my opinion though..
i think for my first small fibergalssing project and my second larger one(fixing several patches on a car) i think niether cost me over 30$ and i had product left over...
Chronos
saintanddolphin on 10/1/2004 05:29:06
The key to fiberglass projects? PATIENCE.
swez on 10/1/2004 07:56:42
Well... look who came back to the roost. How ya been there Saint? Get some of that wash from the hurricanes in your area? Think I heard Mobile got hit pretty hard in some spots too. You?
Swez
saintanddolphin on 10/1/2004 08:53:33
Thanks for the welcome back swez.
Ivan was worse just east of Mobile and Mobile county but still very destructive here.
Thousands of trees down and @ one point over a million folks without power in the state of Alabama alone.
On my home front not too bad.Minor roof damage,5 large limbs and thousands of smaller limbs. Lost power for 5 days,water for 2,phone service for 2 and cable tv for 5.Curiously though, my cable internet hasnt fully recovered yet.
All in all am glad it wasnt worse. Happy to be here and happy to be alive.
Mike COFFEE
PS. Swez,I will give you a ring this weekend.OK?
swez on 10/1/2004 11:25:04
Yep, sounds like a plan Saint... when to call? (early PM is best most nights) Like after 8:00 PM (EST)
Glad you and family are safe!
Swez
hangryman on 10/4/2004 09:03:29
Hi, oldmazda
this page should help you
http://lowridereuromagazine.com/tech/0112lre_basstech/
Replies (25)
P0werLifter on 09/23/2004 23:21:58
Ive just started working with fiberglass in the past 2 weeks and plan on constructing my next enclosure out of MDF and Fiberglass combined.
So far i havnt had many problems as long as you understand the basics, Getting the resin/hardner mix is pivitol and making sure you seal off the area where you plan to resin/fiberglass at is also very important.
How many enclosures have you built so far?
Heres an article on Fiberglassing
http://www.clubknowledge.com/Car_Audio_FAQ/?t23
Goodluck
-Jason
swez on 09/24/2004 01:15:59
I was browsing Google on custom kick panels and there was a fellow that has a DVD out on custom fiberglass techniques. Have no idea what his price is on the package...but it sounds like a very good resource if you are really serious about custom glassing techniques. Let's see if I can find that link for you.
http://www.caraudiohelp.com/how_to_fiberglass/how_to_fiberglass.htm
Swez
Internet price: $40.00
P0werLifter on 09/24/2004 03:29:35
I ordered a 3 DVD set from www.GlassworkzDVD.com and it was pretty helpful. Could have been a little better cameraship and better music but it was overall helpful for around the same price. Not only that but you can email the dude any he helps you out.
-Jason
ttocs on 09/24/2004 03:44:08
Glass is really not that hard once you are used to it, just very messy. You can build whatever you want outta the stuff from your garage, that is the beauty of it.
oldmazda on 09/24/2004 13:57:09
alrite well i think i might be willing to give it a shot but i don't really know where to find the supplies and what tools i need. would i be able to find this stuff at a home depot or something like that or would i have to go to a custom install shop and buy from there?
P0werLifter on 09/24/2004 14:05:50
Orchard has some resin/hardner, so does homedepot. As far as the fiberglass matting i ordered it from Cardomain.com under the custom installation section, or you can go to a boat shop or aplace that deals with fiberglassing in your area, they should be able to see you supplies.
-Jason
oldmazda on 09/24/2004 17:06:27
is it almost like bondo that you can buy to fix holes in fiberglass hulls of boats and stuff or is it diferent?
P0werLifter on 09/25/2004 04:48:55
ehh..its storta like bondo yah in a way, where you buy the resin, the hardner, then mix is together to provide the right mix to where it wont take FOREVER to harden GRIN
oldmazda on 09/25/2004 18:55:45
if i were to build an enclosure out of both fiberglass and mdf how would i attact the mdf to the fiberglass. i would like to build an enclosure out of all fiberglass but in one of the links it was suggested that i shouldn't do this because of fiberglas's weak qualities when used in flat sheets. also is it possible to use plexi-glass rather than mdf with fiberglass or would it end up looking not so good?
swez on 09/26/2004 06:57:05
From what I have read about glassing, some use MDF as the inner shell and then go over it with a few layers of cloth and resin/hardners. Once all is cured and hard, can go back and sand out imperfections, use BONDO as a filler and complete the finishing but sanding and then paint.
However, if the shell is a very curved or irregular shape, then making a form mold, then laying down several layers of cloth/R&H are fine. Fiberglass is very dense and thickness can be varied to create strength and anti-resonance properties desirable in speaker applications. For small speakers.. (mid/highs) the thickness can be as little as 1/4" For sub applications, figure 3/8-1/2" is plenty strong. The thicker you go, the more steps involved and weight (mass) are involved.
The key (from my readings on this subject) are a good mold form and accurate internal airspace in the design. Allowing adequate time for curing between layers and plenty of sanding/filling can provide excellent results. The heavier the cloth used, the less steps needed to build up thickness desired.
Are you ready to build anything yet?
Swez
oldmazda on 09/26/2004 16:45:33
almost... i've learned a lot but i still have a few quesitons. when i am putting down the fiberglass i start with a layer of fiberglass then i have to cover it with cloth then another layer of fiberglass then more cloth and so on? what kind of cloth are you talking about and where would i get it?
swez on 09/26/2004 17:33:43
There are 3 basic components to fiberglassing:
1. Resin
2. Hardener
3. Cloth
The resin and hardener are mixed like a 2 part epoxy. The ratios are key to a solid form when cured. Too little hardener and the stuff takes forever to cure. Too much hardener and the stuff has a short pot life as it hardens too fast.
The cloth can be anything from fiberglass strips to burlap sack material. The heavier the cloth used, the more rapidly you can build up thickness in layers. The cloth is more or less the shape forming component while the R/H provide the tacky glue that hardens while curing. This is where the strength and density come from... THE GLUE!
As I understand it, you make a mold (shaper) cover the mold in plastic and coat with a releasing agent. Then, mix up a batch of R/H and either dip the cloth or lay cloth and coat with H/R. Let it cure and you have the first layer. Once cure is complete, repeat the steps over again until desire thickness is obtained.
Finally, remove the rough shape from the mold, fill, sand and shape until you have a nice finish. Light coats of BONDO are good for filling in surface imperfections. Once that is to where you want it, prime and paint.
http://www.bcae1.com/fibrglas.htm
Swez
PS Am sure others have more details to help you. But these are the basics in fiberglass molded shapes. Low cost, very strong and dense... but very messy and labor intensive.
P0werLifter on 09/27/2004 01:05:24
Swez has it correct....You lay down your fiberglass matt 1st...then mix your resin/hardner together then apply it to the fiberglassing matting, making sure you really soak the resin/hardner mix into the material to make sure it will be a nice and solid piece. after that dries, add more Fiberglass Matt and repeat the process.
Once you get it to the right thickness you desire, sand it down smooth (make sure you wear long sleeves, and a respirator..fiberglass dust is horrible) , add bondo, sand that down smooth then paint, or cover with a material. (But after you've spent all that time, might want to paint it to show off your hard work and your craftsmanship) GRIN...
thats about it i think as far as the basics go
-Jason
oldmazda on 09/27/2004 01:18:21
sorry guys just one last question. for each layer of fiberglass you put on a layer of cloth? so you would put down some fiberglass and they put down some cloth let harden then just repeat the steps or do you put fiberglass down then cloth then fiberglass on the side that is still exposed? and this can be any random peice of cloth or fabric you say or does it have to be cotton or polyester or i don't know really? on the link that was just suggested it says to use grille cloth, and i don't really know what that is.
P0werLifter on 09/27/2004 01:33:20
When im refering to fiberglass matting...its actually chopped fiberglass cloth/matt you can purchase. You can order it from www.Cardomain.com for like $15 i think..pretty cheap.
If you want to use something thats an actual fabric, use something stretchy and strong, like a carpet trunk carpet thats polyester. As long as its strong.. stretchy and can hold the resin/ hardner blend you'll be fine.
Fiberglass Matt...Apply resin/hardner mix..soak in let it dry,,add more fiberglass matt...apply resin/hardner mix..soak..let it dry..etc...its a very long process.
What are you going to be building again? MDF might be an easier path if you havnt built many enclosures b4 and lack time. Also you can use MDF and fiberglass combined to created a sturdy enclosure not just straight fibeglass.
-Jason
ttocs on 09/27/2004 14:14:04
the matting is the glass. You lay the matting or cloth, mix the hardner and the resin, and then put that mixture on the cloth. When the resin hardins on/in the cloth, you have one layer. Repeat this until you can stand on it...
And also as swez said getting the mixture right in important, and it varies with temp and humidity. Putting in too much hardener will make it hard very fast, and it can also catch fire. Watch for smoke....
uochronos on 09/27/2004 14:48:08
ya ttocs is right here the matting is the fiberglass its best not to use other amterials some materials well even be disolved by the resin hardener mix others well work. the local place i have gone to has around 25 differnt cloths, and matting on hand and more the can order from stretchy stuff to thick almost inflexable stuff.
the place is tapp plastic i believe the have a web site www.taplastic.com cant order stuff from it i dont think but it showes everything they have.
Chronos
ttocs on 09/27/2004 18:13:09
it is common to start off with material like fleece or even grill cloth as the glass matting does not stretch. Once you get the shape with these materials, start laying your matting and resin on top of the other material...
I have never had any issues with material being disolved, dunno?
oldmazda on 09/27/2004 19:59:14
i am not in a really big hurry and was just kind of hoping to learn something and try it out in the p.o.s. truck that i have now so that i could do something really neat when i get the chance i was hoping to try this out with just cheap materials that would still work, and when you guys said cloth and fleece i really started thinking wal-mart here i come... i don't need anything really high quality for my truck for now so is there some material i could just buy from wal mart or something that'd work even if not well, so that i could just try my hand at this interesting work. i don't really care how much time it takes i would just like to keep costs down so that i can afford to get a vehicle i can do something sweet it. by the way all the feedback i've been getting is absolutely astonishing i've been going to this site for a while now and it still amazes me that you take time out to answer all of my stupid little questions :) thanks
uochronos on 09/28/2004 03:43:43
dont know what it was they used ttocs. but i had a friend try and use some material that was stretchy not sure what and perhaps disolve was not the right word but it did not hold up it simply fell apart in places after resin was aplied and made a very lumpy area that didnt work well. he had to start over.
as for you Oldmazda walmart actualy sells fiberglass matting. honestly its very cheap soemthing like under 5$ for a cheap pack of it...
honestly i wouldnt go using another material for every layer the resin is what makes it hard but the matting is the actual fiberglass it gives it alot of the strength. also my personal idea has always been start with the rigth materials and move onto differnt materials once you have it down.. if you dont learn doing it the proper way it can be much harder and cost more moeny to learn. thats just my opinion though..
i think for my first small fibergalssing project and my second larger one(fixing several patches on a car) i think niether cost me over 30$ and i had product left over...
Chronos
saintanddolphin on 10/1/2004 05:29:06
The key to fiberglass projects? PATIENCE.
swez on 10/1/2004 07:56:42
Well... look who came back to the roost. How ya been there Saint? Get some of that wash from the hurricanes in your area? Think I heard Mobile got hit pretty hard in some spots too. You?
Swez
saintanddolphin on 10/1/2004 08:53:33
Thanks for the welcome back swez.
Ivan was worse just east of Mobile and Mobile county but still very destructive here.
Thousands of trees down and @ one point over a million folks without power in the state of Alabama alone.
On my home front not too bad.Minor roof damage,5 large limbs and thousands of smaller limbs. Lost power for 5 days,water for 2,phone service for 2 and cable tv for 5.Curiously though, my cable internet hasnt fully recovered yet.
All in all am glad it wasnt worse. Happy to be here and happy to be alive.
Mike COFFEE
PS. Swez,I will give you a ring this weekend.OK?
swez on 10/1/2004 11:25:04
Yep, sounds like a plan Saint... when to call? (early PM is best most nights) Like after 8:00 PM (EST)
Glad you and family are safe!
Swez
hangryman on 10/4/2004 09:03:29
Hi, oldmazda
this page should help you
http://lowridereuromagazine.com/tech/0112lre_basstech/
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