FiberGlass Thickness

[ThePhoenixX]

I might of missed a thread related to this but I was wondering about any suggestions for thickness of fiberglass mat to grab. 1.5oz was pretty cheap but if its per yard I think it wont be strong enough for pepakura costumes. I think the biggest question is what is the suggested wait for fiberglass or what does everyone use?

Thanks
D

 

[Gattaca]

May I suggest you use fiberglass cloth (woven) instead of mat. The cloth will be easier to shape around curves and compound shapes. As for thickness you may want to use the lightest weight you can find and just build up layers to your desired thickness. Using a thicker cloth or mat can be difficult to work with.
However if you choose to go with mat, cutting it into small pieces will make it easier to form to curves and shapes.

 

[robn1]

I've been using mat to make my phaser bodies, 1.5oz mat I got from West Marine. I not only cut the mat into small patches as Gattaca suggested, but I also peel it apart into layers. It comes apart like plys of Kleenex, I usually get three layers. This makes it very easy to work into recesses and tight corners. I just apply one layer at a time, tap it down to soak up the epoxy, then apply the next layer. Three layers (one full thickness of mat) is enough for my phaser parts, but more could be used.

 

[trooper]

Nice castings robn1 !!

 

[robn1]

Thanks Jerry!

 

[ThePhoenixX]

Thanks for the reply guys. Time to purchase some 1.5. Gattaca reason i wanted to get matt is the price i can get was cheap like 70 yards 50 inch wide for 160. But thanks for the suggestions