How to Make a Fiberglass Tube
Fiberglass is a very strong and durable construction material that consists of layers of reinforced mat that are individually saturated with catalyzed resin. Some common things made from fiberglass are tubes or pipes, boats, surfboards and car bodies. Fiberglass tubes are made by applying fiberglass to a mandrel that's the exact diameter of the pipe needed, which can be anything from a PVC pipe to a large, 20-foot steel mandrel. The more layers of mat, the thicker the walls of the tube will be.
Step 1
Set up the desired diameter PVC pipe on two pipe stands. The pipe will have to be one foot longer than the finished length of tube that you need. Place the stands three inches from the ends of the pipe. Lay cardboard on the ground underneath the PVC pipe to catch any excess resin.
Step 2
Apply three thick coats of mold release wax to the entire surface of the PVC pipe, using the foam applicator that comes with the wax. Let the wax dry and buff to a shine with clean rags.
Step 3
Wrap the entire PVC pipe with a layer of fiberglass mat and cut it with scissors so there is no overlap at the seam. Using the first layer for a pattern, cut the desired amount of layers for your tube. The more layers, the thicker the tube will be.
Step 4
Put on a respirator and add catalyst to a small bucket of fiberglass resin, following the containers recommendations. Using a stir stick to mix the catalyst into the resin.
Step 5
Wet the surface of the PVC pipe with the resin mixture, using a felt roller. Apply the first layer of fiberglass mat and use the felt roller to saturate it with resin. When the entire layer is wet with resin, use an air roller to remove all the trapped air bubbles. Repeat this process for each layer of mat until all of the mat is on the PVC pipe.
Step 6
When the fiberglass starts to harden but is still soft, mark the tube to the length you want with a sharpie marker. Cut the ends of the pipe with a razor knife and remove the scrap fiberglass. Let the fiberglass tube harden.
Step 7
Insert a metal scraper in between the PVC pipe and the fiberglass and slowly work it around the entire circumference of the pipe until the fiberglass releases from the PVC. Do this to both ends of the tube and then use a rubber mallet to pound the tube off of the PVC. If you don't let the fiberglass completely harden this will damage the edge of the tube.
Step 8
Sand the tube smooth using 100 grit sandpaper.
Warnings
- Wear a respirator anytime you work with fiberglass materials.
Writer Bio
Jason Kurz has been a published writer for eHow.com and Trails.com for less than a year now. Kurz attended Kent State University of Ohio for Computer Aided Design.
Photo Credits
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