Building the central body plug, part two
Posted: May 7th, 2009 | Author: Shannon | Filed under: Submarine | 3 Comments »I’ve finished assembling the bulkheads and mounted them on the central spar using shelf brackets, and am ready to skin the body with foam. I don’t think contact cement (the recommended method) is the best method — not that I’m an expert — so I think I’m going to use nails with oversized heads to tack the foam into place, at least to get started with the first few panels.
[Edit: In hindsight, the glue works fine, although I am using nails to temporarily hold the foam while it dries. I'm also a little worried about my selection of foam (polystyrene instead of urethane, mostly because of using what was easily available). I may need to paint it before fiberglassing lest the whole thing will dissolve like a wet witch?]
Try using lidquid nails. Not reactive with polystyrene foam.
I’m a bit concerned with using polystyrene foam. As I recall, it doesn’t play well with polyester resin. Maybe epoxy is ok.
From a structural standpoint, I think it would be advantagious to use a urethane foam that the resin will bond to. by painting it, I think you’ll lose some structural properties.
I think you’re right about it reacting with polyester resin… That’s why I think I’ll need to give it a thick coat of paint before glassing it if I don’t switch. I’m going to put a few more panels on and then decide — they just cost me $6 so it’s not a big loss other than some time if I change my mind.
True.
Oh how much frustration I’ve had trying to shape polystyrene foam. Best to cut it with nichrome wire.
Oh, that should be Liquid Nails.
Ive used Klegecell on a big boat project a few years ago. That’s some nice stuff to work with (Very $$! though). Urethane foam is a lot more brittle.
Look forward to seeing it progress.
How’s the Arduino working out. I’d like to see you doing something cool with that.