Fiberglassing - form shaping

[tCMetaLFReaK]

I'm looking at using this stuff

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0043

to help form the shape and make it more solid.

[ntwrkguru]

Interesting...

I've typically seen expandable foam used to create a mold. That could work, but it would become part of the project, no? May not be the best for a speaker enclosure.

dunno...I'd be interested in how it turns out if you use it!

[jwaj2002]

if your using it as a mold you would probably want two assuming your going to want to use it as a mold to make multiple items, if you already have what your going to mold off of made, then you can get mold release wax, put a dozen coats on said mold then lay your fiberglass one layer at a time, let dry relay your glass and so on and so forth, then when your mold is nice and thick (1/4 - 1/2 inch thick, thicker is better) you cut wood strips normally 1/2 inch square or or wide strips and you bond/lay those into the glass mold, and once thats done you reverse, mold release wax 7 - 8 coats and make your part from the mold, I've done this a few times before its a pita to get your mold right but it works, just remember that if your making a mold the part your making you don't want it to wrap around the mold like under it because you won't be able to get it off without breaking the part or the mold

[tCMetaLFReaK]

No, not as a mold, just for form an amprack/lcd mount. I want to create a curved effect, rounded edge.

[_Keith_]

No, not as a mold, just for form an amprack/lcd mount. I want to create a curved effect, rounded edge.

Use wooden dowels... to get the shape then stretch the fleece... router some wood to make the shape and stretch fleece...

Also using expanable or foam that is not closed cell is not good. The resin eats at it and will eat it away so no shape for you...

A good site to learn from people that learn if your not a newbie thats gonna ask questions and read the site first is... www.fiberglassforums.com (http://www.fiberglassforums.com)

IF you start acting stupid they will just ban you. I love the site.

[jwaj2002]

yea you can use that what you'll want to do with it holding any weight is use mdf first or ply 1/2 inch or a little less thick you want something that won't buckle under the weight of the amp mostly, then you use scraps of wood to make your higher spots, and shape the edges to what your somewhat aiming for, then you can(more commonly used) use some fleece, you get from wally world, stapple it to the high areas first using a staple gun, then pull tight staple to the wood, and what not, then just start brushing resin in, I'd do that instead of the mesh would make it alot easier and it will be thicker/easier to work with with the wood and fleece method