Experiments with GFK

Cam turret, before Big day: My first work with glass fiber and resin. I used some coins to calibrate a digital scale I bought for the purpose. Up to 100g it seems to be accurate down to the gram, which is what I need (the precision really sucks beyong 1kg).

I rounded the edges of the box with sandpaper to make sure the glass fiber won't lift (it does around sharp bends). I cut out one sheet for the top, and one sheet for the sides.

Cam turret, after When mixing resin and hardener I was surprised the result is so liquid, and hardly smells at all. I used a foam roller to generously apply resin to the (rather thursty) wood. I put the glass fiber on, and added more resin with the roller. I had to cut the fiber cloth here and there to ensure a smooth fit, but it all worked pretty well. I used some leftover resin to fill gaps and reinforce corners.

I got a bit concerned when after one hour the resin still showed no signs of congealing. But I used a slow hardener: the next day, everything was as hard as glass. Nice! When I cut off the overhanging glass fiber I had to be carefull not to peel off the fiber from the wood. Cutting with a knife with a downward motion does the trick (and dulls the knife in no time :-).