Purchasing fiberglass

[durge]

I found in the noob list that the type of fiberglass cloth to use is "1.43 oz 1080 38" Fiberglass Cloth 50 yd roll". Well, I couldn't locate fiberglass cloth rolls on the websites for walmart/homedepot/etc., so I went searching the internet and so far have only come up with one site that carries this exact cloth for $50.

http://thayercraft.com/1080.htm

I'm just looking for final confirmation that this is the correct product to buy. Also, if anyone can confirm that a standard retail store/chain should carry this, please let me know so I don't have to order it online.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ventrue]

I found in the noob list that the type of fiberglass cloth to use is "1.43 oz 1080 38" Fiberglass Cloth 50 yd roll". Well, I couldn't locate fiberglass cloth rolls on the websites for walmart/homedepot/etc., so I went searching the internet and so far have only come up with one site that carries this exact cloth for $50.

http://thayercraft.com/1080.htm

I'm just looking for final confirmation that this is the correct product to buy. Also, if anyone can confirm that a standard retail store/chain should carry this, please let me know so I don't have to order it online.

Your fibreglass doesn't need to be on a roll. Many packages at retail stores (or "custom" amounts you may order at specialised stores online) come folded and in a plastic bag. You can try shops that carry supplys for car or boat repairs, if you prefer buying offline.

The most important characteristics here are weave and weight, and within a reasonable margin, you can just take your pick with both. The weave pictured in the noob list can be draped over your model's shape more easily than for example the non-woven mats that are also popular. Higher weight will decrease the drapeability as well, but on the other hand increase the strength of a single layer of your finished material.

 

[durge]

Your fibreglass doesn't need to be on a roll. Many packages at retail stores (or "custom" amounts you may order at specialised stores online) come folded and in a plastic bag. You can try shops that carry supplys for car or boat repairs, if you prefer buying offline.

The most important characteristics here are weave and weight, and within a reasonable margin, you can just take your pick with both. The weave pictured in the noob list can be draped over your model's shape more easily than for example the non-woven mats that are also popular. Higher weight will decrease the drapeability as well, but on the other hand increase the strength of a single layer of your finished material.

So would it be a good idea to pick up two different "weights" of fiberglass, use the heavier stuff for larger areas/flatter sections and the lighter stuff for the detailed areas?

50 yards also seemed like a bit much to me...is that really how much you end up using for a set of armor?

 

[kensai111]

To be completely honest with you (and as someone who has built 3 complete suits from scratch) I noticed absolutely zero difference in the weight or any of that crap. Go to your local hardware store, grab the first 3 bags of fiberglass cloth you see and be on your merry way. It should only be in the $3~$4 range per little bag. I think inside each packet is something like a 9ft by 9ft square you can cut up into strips of any size. You're going to need it cut it down into smaller strips so the weight, size, etc are all really pointless. It all works the same. Good luck and remember - safety first! An organic respirator should be your very first purchase if you don't own one.

Cheers,
Kensai

 

[ventrue]

So would it be a good idea to pick up two different "weights" of fiberglass, use the heavier stuff for larger areas/flatter sections and the lighter stuff for the detailed areas?

50 yards also seemed like a bit much to me...is that really how much you end up using for a set of armor?

Using different weights is a possibility, yes - or you can just use two (or more) layers of a lighter one. This depends a little on how you want to do this: Many people cut their fibreglass into tiny little pieces. If you do that, you won't have that much of a problem with a heavier one.

I have no idea how much you need in the end, I'm not quite that far yet...
However, if you buy larger quantities, you might get a better price, so buying every square metre separately probably isn't the best option here.

 

[noble 1]

@durge
love the avatar pic. Lol

 

[durge]

@durge
love the avatar pic. Lol

Haha, thanks! I've used that avatar for years, usually only when I'm a forum admin, though (it kinda works better as an admin...).

I have no idea how much you need in the end, I'm not quite that far yet...
However, if you buy larger quantities, you might get a better price, so buying every square metre separately probably isn't the best option here.

I ended up just buying the 50yard roll. I figured that I'll likely mess up at least once or twice, so I may as well have extra. Plus, this whole project has kinda gotten me really excited about making this stuff, so I am already planning on making Halo armor after I perfect the HEV suit that I'm making now.

 

[leet]

I buy my sheets at advance auto parts napa autozone checkers... all cary it same with home depot and lowes. Anyone who sells fiberglass has the mat. I get the woven stuff for ease of use. Its not as messy. But places local to me is fiberglass coatiings and they sell it buy the yard...

 

[durge]

I buy my sheets at advance auto parts napa autozone checkers... all cary it same with home depot and lowes. Anyone who sells fiberglass has the mat. I get the woven stuff for ease of use. Its not as messy. But places local to me is fiberglass coatiings and they sell it buy the yard...

Hm...I couldn't locate it on the websites of home depot / lowes / autozone... When I have more time I'll just go to the store and check it out. That is, unless the roll I just ordered lasts me forever, heh.