laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

okay , I put a description in the "FAQ" section of the resources here at Swaylocks.

To cut a long story short , this panel I made (an hour ago) is ...

5 layers clear [ie: 6oz fibreglass laminated with polyester resin]
1 layer 8oz hemp material
10 layers clear
1 layer hemp
10 layers clear
1 layer hemp
5 layers clear

all up , it took me about 40 minutes [but that's because I was taking gloves off to take photos at each stage ....]

So , now , here's the photos , since I have had quite a few people in the last month ask me. (And , I DEFINATELY prefer 20,000 words worth of PHOTOS , than words !) ....

"fin making pack"...

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a hemp inlay fin panel 1.jpg60.91 KB
a hemp inlay fin panel 3.jpg43.42 KB
Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

8oz hemp material ....

outlining...


it's only letting me post two shots inline at a time , sorry crew ...

a hemp inlay fin panel 6.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 5.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 4.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

masking off the area ....

[not an inlay ...just the funky curtain reflecting in the glass]

a hemp inlay fin panel 9.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 6.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

some of the materials needed ...

a hemp inlay fin panel 12.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 11.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

brush on the thin layer of lam resin ...

a hemp inlay fin panel 14.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 13.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

Add fibreglass cloth . Let resin soak in a bit . Add resin as needed . Roller cloth ...


( ...it pays to be ambidextrous , when taking photos while 'rollering' ! )

a hemp inlay fin panel 17.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

5 layers of 6oz down , time for the 1 layer of 8oz hemp now ....

..artsy fartsy type photo ( I included this just for you , 'Oldy' !)

a hemp inlay fin panel 19.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 18.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

wetted out hemp ....

10 more layers of fibreglass , 1 layer hemp etc etc ...I think you get the idea ?

a hemp inlay fin panel 21.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 20.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

finished laminated panel ...

I let it sit an hour or two , then brush on a thin layer of filler ['sanding / hotcoat'] resin , to let it gel completely.....

a hemp inlay fin panel 24.jpga hemp inlay fin panel 22.jpg

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Joined: Aug 2 2004
Posts: 10316
Points: 55

laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

notes...

1. the medicine cups in these photos are 30ml [?30cc?] size. For bigger panels , use bigger cups. Catalyse each cup just before you are about to use them . Stir well [with a 'popstick']

2. I lay up 5 layers of 6oz at a time , usually [others may do less]

3. The hemp soaks up more resin than the 6oz fibreglass does [I've found the same with cotton , and carbon fibre , too]

4. The resin will gel on the roller , for me , anyway , if I don't work fast , with polyester resin . Therefore , always have spare rollers . Or use epoxy resin .

5. My flat stinks now.... Along those lines , wearing a respirator is a good idea !

I can't think of anything else to add just now , but if anyone can , feel free to add to this , ask questions , whatever !

Well, crew , I hope this has been helpful , and perhaps will encourage some of you to give making your own fibreglass fins a go . (Your board , and surfing , will THANK you for it , I think !)

cheers !

ben

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Joined: Jan 2 2005
Posts: 532
Points: 26

Re: [chipfish61] laying up a fibreglass fin panel ....

Thanks for that, Ben.

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