Re: [ATM] Fiberglass Tube Fabrication

[NGC704@aol.com]

Hi, Ed:

I'm quickly becoming a fiberglassing expert, seeing as how I've gotten into 
building and paddling my own wood-and-fiberglass composite sea kayaks. For just 
one example, please see:

http://members.aol.com/mauair/

Go to www.raka.com for epoxy and fiberglass cloth. The 'poxy is cheap at 
Raka, and Larry provides superb, reliable service. My Raka 'poxies have never let 
me down, so I can confidently swear by it. U.S. Composites is a cheaper source 
yet, but I've never tried their stuff. John R. Sweet (Google 'em up) is a 
great source for cloths of all descriptions, plus other related stuff, in case 
you wish to get fancy.

We boat builders tend to avoid polyester resin because of the fumes; epoxy is 
plenty bad enough, benign as it ostensibly is. In either case, be sure to 
purchase a cannister type respirator, and USE IT... especially for sanding. Also 
buy a gallon jug of white vinegar; it cleans uncured epoxy off your hands, 
arms, whiskers, tools, clothes, etc., etc., as though it were MADE for the job. 
Always wear rubber "examination gloves" when handling epoxy; some folks develop 
skin allergies to it, but it's also just a good idea in general. Read the 
manufacturer's tech lit when you get it in your shop. Some folks prefer to apply 
epoxy with rollers; others, like me, prefer squeegees. Heck, I can give you a 
million-and-one tips and hints in about five minnits flat.

If I were gonna make a tube for, say, a 12-inch f/6, I'd probably go with two 
or three layers of 9-oz e-glass cloth, make reinforcing rings for the ends, 
add extra layers of cloth (in the form of patches) in "hard point" areas 
(spider mounting holes, etc.), and call it a day.

Actually, I lied. What I'd *really* do is make a wood-and-fiberglass tube for 
maximum economy and stiffness, and minimum weight. Either a light layup with 
internal ring baffles/end ring reinforcing, or better yet, a cedar 
strip/fiberglass tube. Check out how I made the deck for my yak on the website I 
mentioned above for an illustration of the general idea.

A cedar strip/fiberglass tube would be lightweight, absolutely rigid, and 
utterly BEAUTIFUL. A pure fiberglass tube would perform well for you also, except 
you would have to create, and then discard, a form upon which to mold it. 
Strip-building is easy, as in VERY easy, to fabricate, especially for a round 
tube; it would be cheaper, since you use less epoxy, less wood overall, no mold 
release agent, etc.

Just a few thoughts. I'll shut 'er down for now, and see what you think. If 
you or anyone else wants to make up a cedar strip telescope tube in the 
tradition of wooden kayaks and canoes, just lemme know. I've built and abused eight 
boats so far, so I'm kinder gettin' the hang of it. Oh, I've also built quite a 
few telescopes, too.

Cheers,
Kurt Maurer
League City, Texas
http://members.aol.com/NGC704/
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