Custom

[NoZebra]

Alright folks I'm looking to do a custom stock for my trracer. Normally it would be as simple as modifying an existing stock or carving out a nice chunk of wood. However, I'd like to do either a fiberglass or composit stock. First attempt was not so good. (common sense failed me as a first time user of fiberglass, and I applied directly to the styrafoam.) However the mockup did look pretty good. Anyone have some tips or tricks for working with fiberglass?
I've also heard of using acetone to melt down ABS, mold it, and it hardens. I have my doubts on the integrity of the ABS afterwards. That's really the issue: it needs to be able to stand up to a hit from a paintball.

[Al Ray]

Ill acept your next fiberglass stock, providing that you make it, into the Winter wood project If you would like

[NoZebra]

much appreciated! Now I just have to go about making one that doesn't melt.

[Mstrtal]

http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/...oard_duct_tape

Its for costuming but there might be some tricks and tips in there for you in regards to fiberglass usage.

[K_Obeastly]

no idea if you find it acceptable but you could use PVC or delrin. I find PVC easier to mill when you take off pretty big chunks or else it melts and stinks and both are pretty readily available.

The only hint/advice I can give on fiberglass is that pantyhose can be used to line a mold and will prevent the piece from binding to the mold.

[easix6]

You can use the foam as a base to create the shape of the stock, then prior to using the fiberglass coat the entire thing in successive layers of common Elmer's glue. You just have to make sure that the glue is dry prior to applying any substance that could melt the foam into nothingness. I learned this technique in the manufacture of map board miniature terrain squares for a RPG I used to play (Heavy Gear), it works quite well in protecting the foam from dissolving.

6

[Flatline's Up!]

Nice tip easix6!

[bond commander bond]

What about using a light weight wood such as pine or balsum? very light weight and easy to shape. When finished it could be clamshelled and made hollow. You could build a fiberglass outside body.

[Schmitti]

So what you are saying is that you don't want the foam inside the stock when you are done?

Hmmmm.

I would think the foam would halp maintain the structure of the stock and unless you planned on running all sorts of house or bits through the stock, that it would not be bad to have it in there.

If it were me... I would make a stock out of foam (actually two pieces.. and I would use blue/pink insulation board as you can cut it with a hot knife ..it shapes wonderfully this way... with a strip of wood up the centerline) and just make it slightly smaller/thinner than what you want the finished stock to look like. Then apply your fiberglass and resin to the outside, and when it's all set and done you will have a very nice stock.

E

[NoZebra]

The idea is to make the stock out of foam, coat it with polyurethane, glue, or other protective layer, apply fiberglass. I'd like to use the pink insulation foam, but Home Depot only sells the thickness I'd like in 10'x10' sheets. I could do layers of thinner sheets in succession.
So far I'd have to say the carving part is the most fun. You get to make a big mess and the foam is extremely easy to work with. Hopefully I can find some time to work on this soon.