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GRP v Ali
scootz - 16/12/08 at 02:57 PM

Assuming you have a buck ready and the necessary tools, but are a beginner at both disciplines... then what's the easier of the 2 body-making techniques?

For some reason, I think I would be better at cutting / shaping / welding ali sections, than I would with laying GRP, but that's not based on anything!

Opinions appreciated from those in the know!

Humbug - 16/12/08 at 03:01 PM

Is it different from Frazier vs Ali?

Mr Whippy - 16/12/08 at 03:05 PM

grp easiest

panel beating and ali welding are not easy

both are quite expensive

scootz - 16/12/08 at 03:12 PM

Also assuming strength for strength... what would be the lighter material?

mcerd1 - 16/12/08 at 03:17 PM

alloy would probably be lighter than wet layup GRP

scootz - 16/12/08 at 03:23 PM

Cheers!

I think it's the mess-element of GRP that's putting me off!

mcerd1 - 16/12/08 at 03:37 PM

I thought you'd be going for prepreg carbon - thats much lighter and stronger

Mr Whippy - 16/12/08 at 03:38 PM

quote:
Originally posted by scootz
Cheers!

I think it's the mess-element of GRP that's putting me off!


only if your a messy worker

omega0684 - 16/12/08 at 03:58 PM

i would just buy the panels, if you are making everything else, why not treat yourself.

mcerd1 - 16/12/08 at 04:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
I thought you'd be going for prepreg carbon - thats much lighter and stronger




a certain member of this forum might do prepreg carbon or glass for you if you ask him nicely
[edit] (I don't mean me - he's at the other end of the country )

[Edited on 16/12/08 by mcerd1]

pewe - 16/12/08 at 04:33 PM

GRP every time - no contest if you haven't done either before.
IMHO GRP is much easier to work, much more forgiving if you make minor mistakes and easier to repair if ever that's necessary.
Try some small items first and I'll guarantee you'll never look back.
I made my bonnet bulge using cardboard and tank tape for the buck, then plaster-of-paris and builders scrim to make the mould. Release agent was candle-wax poured inside the mould before laying it up.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe

scootz - 16/12/08 at 05:09 PM

Cheers!

David Jenkins - 16/12/08 at 07:30 PM

Just remember that

a) the resin stinks - you won't believe how far the stink will travel, and how long it lasts.
b) some people can be allergic to the resin - you really must wear gloves.

Apart from that - it's not a hard thing to do, but it can be frustrating, e.g. when your work gets stuck into your nice new mould, and you just KNOW that the mould is going to be useless when you finally get it out!

Hugh Paterson - 17/12/08 at 06:24 PM

If u take a plod through to weegie land one weekend I will show u how to do the grp stuff its a doddle
Shug