Composite racing sailboat builders use a technique that produces a fair
surface, without bumps or valleys, while minimizing weight or extra filler.
They screed the filler/resin mix onto the surface using a small-toothed,
serrated plastic trowel (the same kind used to apply ceramic tile cement to
walls). After it cures they use a 'long board' to sand it down. The 'long
board' is not a fixed size. It can be 2" x 24" , 4" x 48" or any other
size, depending on the surface area to be sanded. Most of them are made up
in the shop using a piece of planking with a couple of hand made handles
screwed to it and the sand paper glued or clamped to that. The long board
rasps off the high areas, but leaves the valleys clearly identified by the
serrated 'stripes' of resin/filler. On the next pass you only need apply
the mix to areas that remain 'striped'. It saves work because the actual
surface area to be sanded is reduced to the high points or 'lands' left by
the serrated trowel rather than a raised patch left by a smooth trowel. It
also saves on expensive resin. You get an additional bonus using the
technique in that the serrations also leave a greater surface area, and
irregular surface, for the next coat to bind with or key to. Hope this
helps. I spent plenty of time working on racing sailboats in the US and UK
so I know the technique works with resins from both sides of 'the pond'.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jack Hilditch
_____
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of JEFF ROBERTS
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2006 9:49 PM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: To Those That Have Sanded Before Me... :)
Hi Brian,
I just put it on thick, sometimes using my fingers... gloved of course. Let
your large sanding block with 80 grit in diagonal motion one way, then back
the other take it back down to the shape of the leading edge. Get with
anyone local thats built a glass plane. I did with a local long EZ builder
and his advice or on hands experience was priceless.
Regards,
Jeff
A258 Gold Rush @ 55 hours
On Nov 19, 2006, at 4:14 PM, EuropaXSA276@aol.com wrote:
To Those That Have Sanded Before Me...
Would anyone like to share a helpful hint on applying filler smoothly to a
leading edge? The Anti Servo Tab is giving me fits today....
Thanks in advance.
Brian Skelly
Europa XS TriGear #A276
North Texas USA
You can see my build photos at:
http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS
www.aeroelectric.com
www.buildersbooks.com
www.kitlog.com
www.homebuilthelp.com
http://www.matronics.com/contribution
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List
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