PWSchuh said:
B_Body,
Thanks for the advice. By "having all my layups ready to go," do you mean have all of the glass cloth pieces cut and then put them all on at once? I was just assuming that I should put one layer on, let it dry, then the next layer, let it dry, etc. So I should just build up all the layers wet and let the whole thing dry at once?
Yep. You want to do all your layups at once. This way you only have to mix your resin once, saturate all your cloth and then proceed. First layer, make sure to squeegee out any air bubbles. Second layer, once again make sure to squeegee out air bubbles. Continue this way to the final layer. This will make the strongest part with the least amount of hassle. If you do one layer then let it dry you WILL have to rough up the surface to give the next layer grip. Let me tell you, you want to keep the sanding of fiberglass to a minimum, it is extremely itchy! Be sure to wear a long sleeved shirt and a very good dust mask, preferably a respirator with replaceable cartridges, when sanding 'glass. I cannot emphasize this enough.
Still, not knowing what you are trying to make, this is real basic advice. Depending on how strong this project is you may also have to bias some of the layers to achieve the most strength with the least amount of material used. I don't know how much you've researched this, but I would advise taking some time, before going any further, and head on down to the local library and read every book you can get your hands on about this subject. Once you have gone that far then by all means dive in.
Oh, just to let you know, my experience comes from being part of a composite layup crew, that built CART race cars, for a local manufacturer.
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Charlie