After taking my composites class, I am well versed in exactly what I will need to do my fiberglass empennage tips. I've done plenty of research also, to see what others have used. My instructor suggested 'West System' resin and hardener as have many others. It is pretty sweet because you dont have to do any scale measurements...the West System comes with a very convenient pump system. One pump of resin, one pump of hardener and voila...away you go! Of course Aircraft Spruce carries this, but I try to avoid paying HAZMAT fees when buying chemicals. All shipping companies will charge you a fee to transport this type of stuff, $17 for this particular product. I contacted West System directly, they sent me some great literature and a 'User Guide'. I was also able to find a local distributor, West Marine, that carries their product line. Took a spin down there this weekend and $175 later and I have all the resin and hardener I should need for all the fiberglass work on the RV7 (empennage tips, wingtips, cowling, canopy skirt, etc). A little pricy, but by now you're probably getting the idea that aviation isnt cheap! :) I still plan to add a few composite accessories from Spruce...Flox, Glass microbeads, peel ply, fiberglass tape and a few other odds and ends. When I attended the SportAir class I recieved a special coupon for free shipping and 10% off from Spruce...not much of a coupon but every little bit helps!
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