Fabric overlap?

[onenomad]

I am ready to start laying 1708 fabric on the replaced transom core. The core is 2 plys of 3/4". I plan on 3 layers of the stitched fabric, but am confused about overlap. The West System booklet calls for each successive layer to be shorter than the previous. I was under the impression that each new layer was to be longer than the one before. My thoughts were for 3", 4 1/2" and 6" overlaps. Any advice or help will be appreciated. The boat is 21' X 8', fg.
Thanks,
Gerry

 

[oops!]

Re: Fabric overlap?

could be some kind of dixlexic tpyo...

what you want ...is for each sucessive layer to reach farther on the existing glass than the last.....so each layer has a hold of its own on the hull...smallest layer first.

try 3 or 4 inch overlaps..... final layer...a minimum of six inches total from the transom....i like more...like 16

the areas of the old hull...must be scuffed up with a grinder...no shiney spots....then cleaned with acetone....and cleaned again.....the old hull will be stickey.....

when glassing use just enough resin to saturate the matt/cloth...no more...no less...no white spots...roll out all the air bubbles..and wait for it to kick before appling the next layer...(mix the resin just a little hotter and work fast....if the resin fully cures before you add the next layer(three or four days between applications)......you have to rough it all up again...all of it....

if you use a "little hotter" resin...it should kick within an hour.....that means you can do the whole thing in a day.

hope that helps
cheers
oops

 

[oops!]

Re: Fabric overlap?

one more thing......the first layer...use a colder mix of resin..allow it to saturate into the wood....then add glass...saturate...continue as above

 

[onenomad]

Re: Fabric overlap?

oops!, Thanks for the input. I forgot to mention that I am using epoxy and 1708 cloth. I have already given the ply a heavy coat of epoxy to saturate. I did get #205 (fast) hardener and hope to get 3 layers on tomorrow. We have a little warm (hi 50's) weather window, so I want to take advantage of that.
Gerry

 

[oops!]

Re: Fabric overlap?

in that cold of weather the catelist wont kick as fast.....

if i may suggest... take a few dixi cups and mix resin at different catilist ratios os you know your curing times in that temp....usual curing times are for room temp....72 deg

 

[onenomad]

Re: Fabric overlap?

Actually, I can pretty well control the working temp with heat lamps. By warming the epoxy and the ply, I can get the resin to kick off fairly quickly. At least, I have been able to so far.