Gel coat removal - is this okay?!?

On Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 4:32:26 PM UTC-4, Tim Taylor wrote:
Yes, I miss Jim and his inventive ways. I have always thought we should be able to build a gelplane for gliders. Very fine adjustments to allow leaving a thin layer of gel coat but remove the bulk of the material before using the sanders.

it would be easier that way! the problem with a "plane" is that the gelcoat/paint thickness is not uniform for several reasons. if you try and take a set thickness off, in some places you'll go through and get into the structure.

Aw, man, I miss Jim Wynhoff. He was innovative and energetic and always upbeat.

I chatted with him for a while about the technique shown. He knew what the risks were, he had mitigation plans, and the result stands for itself.

Thanks, Bob K.

JW was a master at anything he touched. Fiberglass, welding, plastics, motors, it did not matter.
That gelcoat was flaking off the wing, it just needed a little encouragement. The pin holes were filled before the poly paint and sanding.
The finish is factory perfect, actually better than factory. There are YouTube videos of the glider after the work was completed.

It is a joy to fly.
You will also find videos of Jim flying his beloved Speed Astir, "UF", hence the Uncle Fuzzy monicker.
Jim is surely missed.

BillT

On Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 6:54:38 AM UTC-4, Kevin Christner wrote:
Never seen gel coat removed via pneumatic razor blade. Looking at the surface it would appear this has taken off the veil cloth with the gel coat. Any experts care to comment as to the validity of this method / post operating room safety / airworthiness?

2C

I actually used the process with some success on my horizontal Stab on my Peg. I got 80% off using the pneumatic razor blade method. My Gel coat was pretty bad and was flaking off easily. The picture below in the link is after a couple of hours with the tool. Note all the chips that came off. I had to sand the edges as they where bonded to the fiberglass much better and would not chip off. As others have said, lots of pin holes to fill in afterwards. No damage to the Fiberglass under the gel-coat using the tool CAREFULLY. Looks great after Hank did his magic with a spray gun...

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9...XdqYnlzTFNxRFk

Chuck
(Hope the Link works)