Alternative to biaxial sleeve?
Alternative to biaxial sleeve?
(OP)
I am using a glass biaxial sleeve to cover a wood pole (<2in diameter). Problem is that the lightest wgt these sleeves seem to be available in is about 10oz cloth. This is more bulk than I want. I'd like a 3-5oz cloth. I've tried roll wrapping and spiral wrapping (using tape), but I struggle with handling/positioning the wet layup, and can not achieve the ease and seemless look of a sleeve. Any suggestions on material, source, and/or method? Needs to be on the cheap, as I'm not ready to pay for custom material, yet. Thanks!





RE: Alternative to biaxial sleeve?
RE: Alternative to biaxial sleeve?
RE: Alternative to biaxial sleeve?
Table rolling is not just rolling by hand on any table. There are manufactured rolling tables that roll a mandrel between two plattens. This can still work for octagons but adds some challenges.
How are you compacting your tube? Shrink tape will only apply pressure at the corners unless you use cauls to apply pressure to your flat surfaces. Perhaps this is your problem.
You could do a wet lap-up of fabric around your wood core. You will need a fixture to hold the core horizontally. Let the fabric hang down as you rotate the core incrementally and roll it with a grooved roller to impregnate. Keep the fabric tensioned as you wrap. A weighted bar at the bottom of the fabric can help keep tension and keep the fabric straight, axially. A spiral wrap of peel ply at the end could be used for compaction and to remove excess resin.