Fiberglass Jet Pack Build

Just sharing a build option. I used the WOF plans and made several card board molds that I layered fiber glass/resin into. I used a release that allowed for most of the card board to easily peel off. I then assembled with fiberglass to build my jet pack. Plenty of Bondo needed. I detailed some of the parts builds in other threads. This is not an easy build, but here are some images. I made all the aluminum parts too. The stabilizer was made in part from a cheap Exato knife. The beacon was aluminum rod I shaped with with files as it turned in a drill press.

a

I like how this came out. I've never seen a build like this before. I bet its pretty light?

I also like how your stabilizer came out! Show us some more shots of the beacon!

Great work mate. It is amazing to see how well this turned out with that method.

Nice Work!! I'm doing a similar project and just about to start glassing it...what type of release agent did you use? how much did this weigh when you finished?

ObxFett. The pack weighs about 6 lbs. I The "release agent" I used was actually Mink oil. Vasaline would likely work too. I have gotten some very dismissive comments from other replicators, but this technique is very inexpensive...and works. I have used it to restore a number of actual screen used props. If I have any trouble peeling off the card board- (I use 8.5X 11 backer board from Kinkos) - I just get the card board wet. It softens up and and can be scraped off. It is not always a perfect part, but Bondo grabs on to the fiberglass. The cardboard molds need to be re-inforced. Fiberglass can warp as it cures.

Hey if works... that's all that matters! Its a great looking pack. Good luck with it!

Originally Posted by SPY007

ObxFett. The pack weighs about 6 lbs. I The "release agent" I used was actually Mink oil. Vasaline would likely work too. I have gotten some very dismissive comments from other replicators, but this technique is very inexpensive...and works. I have used it to restore a number of actual screen used props. If I have any trouble peeling off the card board- (I use 8.5X 11 backer board from Kinkos) - I just get the card board wet. It softens up and and can be scraped off. It is not always a perfect part, but Bondo grabs on to the fiberglass. The cardboard molds need to be re-inforced. Fiberglass can warp as it cures.

Amazing job on the beacon!

Thanks. I will post pics if the finished pack, but I don't expect to work on again till spring.