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My RV-8 Build Log
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Date:  10-9-2016
Number of Hours:  5.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Windscreen Fiberglass Cloth Lay-Ups

Well, this the day I have been thinking hard on for weeks now, how will this go? I started with wetting the joint of the windscreen and top skin with West Systems Epoxy and Hardener, I have about 15-20 minutes’ maximum working time to lay some cloth.

I took the 1/2" strip, and starting on the right side, applied to the joint which is the intersection of the windscreen and top skin. Because of the radius of the windscreen, several strips were needed, butted up to each other. The idea is to ensure the next layer is butted in different locations than the previous layer. Because the cloth has been trimmed, it wants to unravel a bit at the edges. This is a PITA, but with careful application of pressure, I get the strip placed, and then complete the process by applying more epoxy to the cloth ensure it is completely wetted.

Because of the working time, I can apply 2 - 3 layers, using the strips I cut earlier, overlaying the last strip and trying my best to place each new strip so the edges overlay the previous by 1/8". That is easier said than done.

For the final 2" strip, which is the 7th layer, I removed the electrical tape from the top skin, I don't want to overlay the tape with glass cloth. The final strip I carefully butted up to the bottom of the electrical tape on the windscreen, trying not to overlay. The bottom edge on the top skin let fall as the strip was cut. There is going to be 2-3 additional layers of epoxy with no cloth, and then a ton of sanding. I decided to stop here and see tomorrow after is sets, if this process is working out, before proceeding with the layup of the glass cloth over the top of the windscreen.

So far I am happy with the process, though it is a real nervous thing to do, managing the placement of the glass cloth, with the working time of the epoxy, etc.
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Ready for first glass cloth strip

Ready for first glass cloth strip

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7 layers of glass applied right side

7 layers of glass applied right side

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7 Layers of Glass Applied Left Side

7 Layers of Glass Applied Left Side

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