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 Post subject: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 5:27 am 
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Location: Northern California
I am trying to correct an SPFX dome, which is sunk in on the sides. If I could find a
way to get the FGlass pliable, maybe I could push the sides out and get it in the ball park.
I previously puttied the sides, but it was as much as a half inch thick and added a ton of weight.
Can you heat it???
Thanks,
John


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 Post subject: Re: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 7:34 pm 
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The little I know about fiberglass is that once it has hardened it stays in that shape. It is unlikely that you can alter the shape by heating it.

If you could post pictures of the issue, then perhaps that could help with alternative suggestions.

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 Post subject: Re: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 8:46 pm 
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I have actually re shaped fiberglass on several occasions using a heat gun. I just heated it slowly until it would bend and then held in place until it cooled. I have done this with polyester and epoxy based fiberglass resin parts and it worked fine for me. Just wear protective gloves so you don't get burned.


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 Post subject: Re: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 7:11 am 
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It depends on the formulation. Some formulations don't respond to heat. Others will cause air bubbles and air pockets to expand and blister. In some cases I've seen fiberglass delaminate from resin. Proceed carefully.

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 Post subject: Re: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 3:38 pm 
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CSMacLaren wrote:
It depends on the formulation. Some formulations don't respond to heat. Others will cause air bubbles and air pockets to expand and blister. In some cases I've seen fiberglass delaminate from resin. Proceed carefully.


Correct. There are risk when heating fiberglass. It is also possible for the part to crack under the heat and stress. Risk vs. reward I suppose.


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 Post subject: Re: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 10:36 pm 
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Jarenmcl wrote:
CSMacLaren wrote:
It depends on the formulation. Some formulations don't respond to heat. Others will cause air bubbles and air pockets to expand and blister. In some cases I've seen fiberglass delaminate from resin. Proceed carefully.


Correct. There are risk when heating fiberglass. It is also possible for the part to crack under the heat and stress. Risk vs. reward I suppose.


I'm speaking from personal experience.

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 Post subject: Re: Is there a way to re-shape fiberglass dome?
PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 1:55 am 
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CSMacLaren wrote:

I'm speaking from personal experience.


Yes, and I agreed with you. It's possible to make slight adjustments using heat, however, problems could arise just like the ones you experienced.


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