Molded Nose Cones
This pair of how-to videos shows how to make your own custom fiberglass nose cone using molding techniques. Molding is applicable to other things as well, such as transitions, fairings and even fin cans, but custom nose cones are a common desire.
Be sure to also watch Tony (tfish) Alcocer's video on the same topic.
Part 1: Making the Mold
The first step in making a custom nose cone is making the fiberglass mold; this video shows you how (running time 22m).
Part 2: Pulling the Part
The second step is making a usable nose cone from the mold (running time 14m).
Fiberglass Molding Supplies
Here are the supplies mentioned in the video which you may not already have. Of course, these are just the brands I am familiar with, and there are surely others that will work as well.
- Mold Release Wax
- Modeling Clay
- Parting Film
- Plastic Wedges
- Cleco Fasteners
Most of the molding supplies were purchased from FibreGlast and they also make great instructional videos, from which I learned these techniques.
For the use to which the result was put, see my Solar Sailer II page.