plug building

[system]

I am building a plug (I think that term is right) from scratch. I have no existing parts to copy from.

Right now I am building my plug (?) from wood and am shaping it into the form of what the fiberglass mold (well the part I want to make) will look like. So far I have the wood mostly shaped, and I am using some body filled (bondo) for the curves.

Once I have it sanded and the wood sealed, I plan to lay the fiberglass to make the eventual part.

So my questions are:

1. Is using a wood plug to build a mold a good idea? I have no existing part to copy (since none exists), and I am comfortable working on wood. I plan to use 1/2" with reinforcements so when I pull out the fiberglass part, the plug won’t break. Any recommendations on types of wood?

2. Is bondo a good idea for shaping corners? I don’t have it very thick, but I don’t want it to break off.

Hopefully my terminology is right. My understanding is a plug (mine I believe is female) is what the fiberglass goes into and will be taking the form of, the mold is the fiberglass that is being shaped, and the part is the final product, right?

Thank you in advance.

[system]

all good from what i can see. i have made plugs from all sorts!! You will need to seal the plug and apply release agent of some sort once finished before you can start your glassfibre mould. Make sure you dont seal the mould with something that will react with you resin, for example polyester resins and celulose paints dont go!!

Good luck

Richard

[advantage]

i would agree with threadkilla you are right on track i use gell coat to seal my plugs but there are many other products that i have seen people use to seal with (lets here what you guys are using) also why care if plug breaks you will have a good mold to build another