questions about recoring hatches

natchalkley · #1 02-11-2009, 06:21 PM

I need to recore the hatch that covers the fuel tank. my question is do I want to got with a single piece for the core or do I want to cut squares? I would think that the squares would make it easier to make it flat, but im not so sure about the strength. is it strong enough like that or should I go with a single piece?

red20 · #2 02-11-2009, 08:39 PM

did mine w/ squares and it worked out fine.

Gary Hill · #3 02-11-2009, 08:50 PM

I did mine with marine plywood 10 years ago and are still solid. (one piece)

Islandtrader · #4 02-12-2009, 09:20 AM

The basic reason for the squares are so they conform to any crown that you might have. If your area is flat one piece will work fine.

A while back some one who is in the marine boat building business said that when he first started his job was cutting up the scrap plywood into squares..

What's the new buzz phrase...Re-claim, re-use, re-cycle.

bigeasy1 · #5 02-12-2009, 10:10 AM

I did mine with one piece of 1/2" marine plywood,and it worked great.The original was 6x6" pieces,but seeing as the hatch is flat,one piece worked good for me,and was quicker to accomplish.

hermco · #6 02-12-2009, 10:12 AM

Using squares or a full sized piece cut into sections also reduces the chance of getting a large air pocket between the core and sunstrate.

Briguy · #7 02-12-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

The basic reason for the squares are so they conform to any crown that you might have. If your area is flat one piece will work fine.

A while back some one who is in the marine boat building business said that when he first started his job was cutting up the scrap plywood into squares..

What's the new buzz phrase...Re-claim, re-use, re-cycle.

Or: USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, MAKE DUE, DO WITHOUT.

jonesg · #8 02-16-2009, 12:31 PM

A large unsupported layup can easily buckle due to sun heat.
A molded lip won't always prevent it from twisting.

oldfielder · #9 02-16-2009, 07:27 PM

I did mine with nidacore and they've been holding up well for three years.

Bigshrimpin · #10 02-22-2009, 11:34 AM

nat - use the squares. There is no advantage to using 1 piece of core. The strength comes from the skins, not the core (which is why you could even use balsa wood or nida core) As hermco said you risk trapping air under a large sheet. Squares also make a stiffer laminate.