Plywood or balsa for rebuid
#1
Plywood or balsa for rebuid
Have a couple of cleats that had leaked and gone unrepaired by PO that I'm addressing now .
The original layup is outter gel/glass>Balsa>glass>plywood>glass
I've got the damage cut out and ground down to the outer glass layer from the inside ready to rebuild. My plan was to bed in 2 layers of 1/2" plywood (with 2nd layer being larger) with epoxy and high density filler, then cover with glass, and not using any balsa thinking the plywood would be more solid for cleat backing. Or should I go back to the original layup? Which is better, or does it really make a difference? Im thinking the balsa wont be as strong during sideways pull on the cleats. I have to purchase a 1/2 sheet of balsa anyways for another non load area repair, so I'll have the balsa anyways. I'm putting alum backing plates on when reinstalling the cleats to make it more solid.
Thanks
The original layup is outter gel/glass>Balsa>glass>plywood>glass
I've got the damage cut out and ground down to the outer glass layer from the inside ready to rebuild. My plan was to bed in 2 layers of 1/2" plywood (with 2nd layer being larger) with epoxy and high density filler, then cover with glass, and not using any balsa thinking the plywood would be more solid for cleat backing. Or should I go back to the original layup? Which is better, or does it really make a difference? Im thinking the balsa wont be as strong during sideways pull on the cleats. I have to purchase a 1/2 sheet of balsa anyways for another non load area repair, so I'll have the balsa anyways. I'm putting alum backing plates on when reinstalling the cleats to make it more solid.
Thanks
__________________
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
#2
Registered
I would use plywood or just lay up the cleat area solid glass . 5 layers of 1708 would be more than sufficient . I would skip the balsa because it does not take the compression well when you tighten the mounting bolts for the cleats.
#5
you want to be careful not to over build the area, you dont want to end up with a hard rigid spot just around the cleat. try to taper off the rigidity if ya can, stagger off the ends of the laminate
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Throttles- Cleveland Construction 377 Talon
08 OPA Class 1 National Champion
08 Class 1 Geico Triple Crown Champion
08 OPA High Points Champion
10 OPA Class 1 National Champion ( happy now Ed! )
Throttles- Cleveland Construction 377 Talon
08 OPA Class 1 National Champion
08 Class 1 Geico Triple Crown Champion
08 OPA High Points Champion
10 OPA Class 1 National Champion ( happy now Ed! )
Last edited by glassdave; 12-04-2017 at 05:34 PM.
#6
A couple yds of 1700 is cheap. If that'll be easier to work with, I'm all in for that.
Have been using West Systems do to simplicity and availability,, but thinking of going to the 635 at a good amount of savings. Does the 635 have the same working characteristics as the WS?
Thanks
Have been using West Systems do to simplicity and availability,, but thinking of going to the 635 at a good amount of savings. Does the 635 have the same working characteristics as the WS?
Thanks
__________________
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Last edited by US1 Fountain; 12-04-2017 at 08:50 PM.
#7
If your going to use plywood then look into MDO plywood unless you are going marine grade stuff....
" MDO is produced with a high-quality thermosetting resin-impregnated fiber surface bonded to one or both sides under heat and pressure to create an exterior-grade plywood panel. Specially selected veneer directly beneath the fiber overlay provides a smooth surface that is ideal for painting. MDO is manufactured with waterproof resins that meet or exceed all veneer-grade, adhesion, and construction requirements. Sign writers find MDO is ideal and the panels of choice for Exterior Signs"
I used this stuff to rebuild my cockpit wood and its real nice to work with and super straight...cuts like normal wood but has some good density for screws and such to have a good bite into.....ive had some scrap pieces outside behind my garage for close to a year and they still look like new other then being dirty...i found it at my local Menards..they have it in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
" MDO is produced with a high-quality thermosetting resin-impregnated fiber surface bonded to one or both sides under heat and pressure to create an exterior-grade plywood panel. Specially selected veneer directly beneath the fiber overlay provides a smooth surface that is ideal for painting. MDO is manufactured with waterproof resins that meet or exceed all veneer-grade, adhesion, and construction requirements. Sign writers find MDO is ideal and the panels of choice for Exterior Signs"
I used this stuff to rebuild my cockpit wood and its real nice to work with and super straight...cuts like normal wood but has some good density for screws and such to have a good bite into.....ive had some scrap pieces outside behind my garage for close to a year and they still look like new other then being dirty...i found it at my local Menards..they have it in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
__________________
-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
-Wally
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy horsepower. And I've never seen a sad person hauling a$$!
#8
A couple yds of 1700 is cheap. If that'll be easier to work with, I'm all in for that.
Have been using West Systems do to simplicity and availability,, but thinking of going to the 635 at a good amount of savings. Does the 635 have the same working characteristics as the WS?
Thanks
Have been using West Systems do to simplicity and availability,, but thinking of going to the 635 at a good amount of savings. Does the 635 have the same working characteristics as the WS?
Thanks
__________________
Throttles- Cleveland Construction 377 Talon
08 OPA Class 1 National Champion
08 Class 1 Geico Triple Crown Champion
08 OPA High Points Champion
10 OPA Class 1 National Champion ( happy now Ed! )
Throttles- Cleveland Construction 377 Talon
08 OPA Class 1 National Champion
08 Class 1 Geico Triple Crown Champion
08 OPA High Points Champion
10 OPA Class 1 National Champion ( happy now Ed! )
#9
1 more question, Do I build up the layers with just the 1700 on top of each other? I thought mat was needed between cloths, unless thats for poly use?
__________________
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
#10
This repair area is now done and solid. It’s up inside the gunnel underneath side, done with 635 epoxy/1700 and will not be exposed to sunlight, weather, anything. Does it need to be topcoated with paint or can I leave it unfinished? It will never be seen again unless interior compartments are removed for repair, by next owner. The complete hull has been gel coated when built. So figured might be a reason?????
__________________
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Some people are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they
bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Last edited by US1 Fountain; 12-20-2017 at 07:07 AM.