Building a fiberglass frame (PICS)

[Picflight]

Hello,

I am building a fiberglass frame, 2" wide, it is actually a mold which will turn out to be a flat frame, pictured below. The purpose of the frame is to use as a guide.

If you look at the outer dimensions on the frame, 48" x 65", I am wondering how to stop it from flexing? I want it to maintain its firmness when laid down after it is built?

I am thinking about 3 layers of fiberglass cloth and a 1" square x 4' piece of wood (big store has dowels) as backing?

 

[Gunni]

Vacuum bag it on a sheet of laminate (formica).

 

[Picflight]

I should have mentioned that I am not setup for vacuum bagging and have rudimentary methods of working. First time working with fiberglass, only 3 months experience.

 

[Gunni]

If you have a workbench and small air compressor you can vacuum bag for about $200. What you expend on set up you save on final prep and precision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVD7C4Gu4so

 

[Brian D]

I am not sure of the overall dimensions of the frame but if it were me, I would just leave it on a concrete floor and fiberglass the top of the frame. Then after setting up, I would flip over and do the other side. By then it should be firm enough not to flex. Or am I missing the concept of what you are trying to do?

Am I guessing this is a template to see why your deck does not fit properly?

 

[Picflight]

Brian, you guessed correct.

The overall dimension is 48"x65".

I don't want to over do it but want to make sure the frame is stiff enough so that I can use it to check the level on my deck, grind the high spots and it should fit perfectly when I put it in.

The 2" wide dimension is the contact area and that is really all I need to check the contact surfaces. Imagine a picture frame, flat and 2" wide borders.

I am not sure of the overall dimensions of the frame but if it were me, I would just leave it on a concrete floor and fiberglass the top of the frame. Then after setting up, I would flip over and do the other side. By then it should be firm enough not to flex. Or am I missing the concept of what you are trying to do?

Am I guessing this is a template to see why your deck does not fit properly?

 

[finding41]

I am not sure of the overall dimensions of the frame but if it were me, I would just leave it on a concrete floor and fiberglass the top of the frame. Then after setting up, I would flip over and do the other side. By then it should be firm enough not to flex. Or am I missing the concept of what you are trying to do?

Am I guessing this is a template to see why your deck does not fit properly?

Put down heavy plastic! Or you will have a annoying bump in the middle of the garage floor...
Here is a link to a little fibreglass job I am doing right now. http://forums.macgregor.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=161192

To keep it flat you need to keep it flat for a few days (like a week) after it sets up. Don't lean it against the wall or else...
Good luck.
Forgot to mention YouTube. boatworkstoday and search building a fibreglass mold.

 

[Picflight]

Thanks for the tip @finding41 on keeping it flat.