Hello Garyh,
I've actually just joined IceInSpace the other day, and I have 90% completed making some fibreglass components for a prototype telescope (sandwich core fibreglass sectioned tube, mirror cell, counterweight rings). I haven't worked on it for about a year, as I had postponed it to construct an observatory which is still in progress. It is my second fibreglass project, the first being a laundry chute I made a few years ago.
Here are a couple of web pages I can recommend having a look at :
http://astro.umsystem.edu/atm/ARCHIV.../msg00540.html
http://www.geocities.com/natsp2000/fiberglass-tube.html
I have basically learnt it by myself with just web references and supplier info pamphlets for instruction - needless to say it has been a learning experience. However, I haven't tried carbon fibre yet - it costs a fortune and I want to perfect my skills first. I'm glad I did, as although the tube is turning out quite good, I will do it better next time! For one thing, I used too many layers of cloth and too much resin so it is heavier than it should be (but boy is it stiff and strong!!). I don't think there is much difference in technique, although I believe that carbon fibre has different wet-out characteristics to e-glass.
For fibreglass supplies, I use the following sources:
- ATL Composites in Queensland - very helpful staff !!!!!! They also supplied pamphlets on their products and some other info. (website:
http://www.atlcomposites.com ) - I use them for most of my supplies - they have specialised laminating epoxy resins, carbon cloth, etc, etc.
- Fibreglass Material Services Pty Ltd, Unit 1/ 19 Boden Rd Seven Hills 2147(02) 9624 2811. They also have a lot of stuff, but not as much as ATL. However, can be more handy as you can drop in and buy over the counter.
- Advanced Composites in Unanderra - not very helpful staff, you've got to know precisely what you want and just order it. However, I believe the company has changed hands / merged / whatever and their website is no longer active, so you would have to chase it up. They were the only place I found that supplied Nomex Honeycomb which I needed,
although there is another company in WA that may have it (
http://www.fibreglass-resin-sales.com.au/home.html).
I also have heaps of pictures (and a lot of practical advice) if you are interested.
Regards,
David