Engine hatches, how to build
#11
Gold Member
Gold Member
Thread Starter
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
Thanks Jon,
For something like I want to build I didn't think figuring the reverse would be too hard. It's just a rectangular box. I figure I can make it slighty larger and deeper.
Dave M.
For something like I want to build I didn't think figuring the reverse would be too hard. It's just a rectangular box. I figure I can make it slighty larger and deeper.
Dave M.
#12
Charter Member #232
Charter Member
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
Ya if you are going square box then you probably are ok. The MDF will work for you. As was mentioned earlier you can not do hard corners in a mold either so make sure you have the corners rounded off or the glasss will lift and create bubbles. You can always fix these things later and or glass hard edges in after you pup the thing out of the mold. Also make sure you will be able to pup the part out of the mold. In other words make sure that like the top is not wider then the bottom of the hatch (as it would sit on the boat) thus making it neccasary to break the mold to get the part out.
Jon
Jon
__________________
Put your best foot forward!
Put your best foot forward!
#13
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Galloway, NJ
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
Originally Posted by Dave M
I was thinking I could make a mold to make the job much easier. I was thinking of using wood but the glass would probably want to bond to it. What can you make a mold out of or what can you put on it that would keep the glass from bonding to it?
You can make your mold from wood. To keep the resin/gel from sticking coat the wood with PVA or release wax. Use clay to seal the seams and make your radiuses. If you are using reverse angles make sure you have planned a way to remove the mold from the part because the part will not release from the mold. Either way don't expect the part to just fall out.
There will be finish work post mold because the wood grain will transfer to the part.
Also, be sure your mold is stiff or shrinkage and heat of the curing resin can cause the mold to warp.
#14
Registered
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MCHENRY,IL
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
build a wood sand box the shape of the hatch you want. Tape the inside of the the wood with box tape. Yes box tape. if every thingis true you can lay in 60 mils of gel before you glass it up. Pop the part and wet sand it. of you have the tools and knowledge this should be an easy project. go buy a pair shoes and use the box as a small scale experiminet. Make sure you use a structure on the outside of the box from keeping it fro moving. You could make one hatch in 8 hours.
bottomsupboatrepair.com
bottomsupboatrepair.com
#15
Gold Member
Gold Member
Thread Starter
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
Thanks guys, great ideas here. I was planning on taking Bill's advice and doing a test run with a small box.
What type of glass should I use? I looked in some catalogs at the sizes available. Should I try to work with large pieces (I know it's harder) to avoid seems? The hatch is going to be approx 66" x 36".
My current hatch has the back seat built in. I like that, easy engine access. I hope to include that in my new hatch. See picture.
What type of glass should I use? I looked in some catalogs at the sizes available. Should I try to work with large pieces (I know it's harder) to avoid seems? The hatch is going to be approx 66" x 36".
My current hatch has the back seat built in. I like that, easy engine access. I hope to include that in my new hatch. See picture.
#17
Gold Member
Gold Member
Thread Starter
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
Originally Posted by Catagory5
What's wrong with your current hatch? Is it fiberglass on both sides?
You know how it is. Winters coming, and I need/want something to do.
#19
Registered
Re: Engine hatches, how to build
Originally Posted by Comanche3Six
Dave
I just had one built out of Kevlar by Fiberglass Plus. I wanted to eliminate the sunpad and add scoops. If you decide to have it done by a professional, I can highly recommend this company.
Ed
I just had one built out of Kevlar by Fiberglass Plus. I wanted to eliminate the sunpad and add scoops. If you decide to have it done by a professional, I can highly recommend this company.
Ed