Ferg,
For a baggage compartment, I believe an end-grain balsa and fibre glass
sandwich would give you the best properties. Balsa can be much less dense
than plywood, so you can use a 1/4 inch layer to make a nice stiff partition
without adding too much weight. The end grain is highly resistant to dents
of the kind that come from having heavy irregular objects like tools
rattling against them. The open pores of the end grain bond well, as Steve
suggests. Certainly, 2 plies of bid each side would give you a good
structure.
I recall that in the vicinity of Chino, California, in 1991 there were
back-yard suppliers who used a heated press to provide very nice lightweight
sheets of end-grain balsa/fibreglass. They also had a good selection of
fittings that could be co-bonded to provide attachment points etc. However,
for the small partitions you want, a wet lay-up by hand would seem best --
you can decide whether to lay it up in situ or make one large sheet on the
bench, let it cure, then cut parts to fit. If required, small areas of
plywood could be inserted in place of the balsa where you wish to attach
straps etc.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Hagar
Subject: RE: Foam.....
Ferg:
You might want to try experimenting with some bass wood, balsa, or 1/8"
hobbyshop plywood laminated with the fiberglass. I made some backing
plates for my wing tip strobes out of the thin plywood and fiberglass
and
was impressed with its stiffness and strength. I haven't tried to make
anything out of balsa and fiberglass yet but I would think that a 1/4"
sheet with 2 plies of bid on each side would be pretty stiff. The balsa
is
probably easy to come by and its porous surface is likely to possess
characteristics good for bonding. Has any one out there done any thing
like
this?
Steve Hagar
A143
Mesa, AZ
> [Original Message]
> From: fkyle <fkyle@bigwave.ca>
> Date: 12/11/00 7:49:02 AM
> Subject: Foam.....
> I am in the process of producing a few accessory "walls" and
support for the under-baggeage area
|