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plastic (but not thermo-plastic) sheet needed
interestedparty - 5/1/03 at 03:30 PM

Anyone know where I can get some flat sheet for use in constructing a body plug (aka buck or pattern). Thermoplastics such as polythene and ABS are no good for this as polyester resins such as are used in body filler will not stick to them.
Whatever I get needs to be bendable but not too flexible.
Any ideas?

John

theconrodkid - 5/1/03 at 05:35 PM

i got a freind that makes signs for buildings i used his sheet for various panels in my car,bends when heated,cuts and drills well i will try to get hold of him you can glue it with plumbing solvent if that gives you a clue to its make up

interestedparty - 5/1/03 at 06:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by theconrodkid
i got a freind that makes signs for buildings i used his sheet for various panels in my car,bends when heated,cuts and drills well i will try to get hold of him you can glue it with plumbing solvent if that gives you a clue to its make up


That'll be a thermo plastic then. I have experimented with them, but the problem comes when you want to blend a curve into another curve or a flat surface. If you use ordinary car body filler which is polyester based, the first bit of stress, especially thermal stress, and the filler just seperates from the plastic. Epoxy-based filler work slightly better but only slightly.
Thanks for the thought, anyway
I'll probably end up using MDF unless I can find something better, MDF is OK but of course you can do any wet sanding

John

[Edited on 5/1/03 by interestedparty]

Rorty - 6/1/03 at 12:56 AM

What about PU foam John? It's great for plugs/resin, and it shapes beautifully. I'm not sure though if it's available in thin enough form to be bendable.....have a sheet split?

Simon - 7/1/03 at 09:53 AM

John,

If it's of any help, I used 1/32" (3) ply for making scuttle plug.

Got it from my local model shop. Not cheap (about £6 for 4' x 1')

Bends very well in one direction, quite well in the other, but not in 3d.

ATB

Simon