My idea for making a Fiber Glass Tank but I need INPUT!!!!

[sxecafe]

Changing the thread name.

[rockcitycafe]

I'd actually keep the foam without the masking tape, the cloth won't want to stick to it when you're laminating and for whatever value it has in getting the foam plug out, it's used up in the extra pain in the ass it will be when doing the glass.  secondly, I'd go back and really try to get your foam perfect, as far as matching radii and symmetry overall, that's the stuff you can't fix when you get the fiberglass on.   always remember the 6 p's - proper preparation prevents piss poor performance

[sxecafe]

Thanks for the info, bud.

I have kinda changed my approach on this thing. I wanted to make this a plug so I can dup it if need be. When laying up all the tooling gel etc., will the tape still cause a problem? I just didnt want it to melt when I applied any resin.

Also, just so we are on the same page, are you referring to the front of the tank? I could use some help in figuring out symmetry on this thing. I think I'm in too far and need outside perspective from someone who's heads not in the tank like mine to get it perfect.

[rockcitycafe]

for symmetry, lay up a center line on the tank, and take measurements of each side from that line, they should be the same, if not, add or subtract material where needed... as far as using it as a plug, you mention using tooling gel?  were you planning on putting tooling gelcoat on the tape itself?  generally a plug is a perfect model of the part you want to make, and for a one off, just make the part, there's no point in going through all the work to get a perfect plug just to make one part from a mold, unless you need to build it in some exotic material with really high tolerances for weight/reinforcement patterns, etc. 

[sxecafe]

my thoughts were that just in case I dump the bike... I didnt want to be out of a tank and have to start from scratch shaping foam again.

I lined up the templates I used to make the shape. For the most part I think Im in line fairly well. I was thought you had noticed something in particular but if its a general statement, I def appreciate it from someone with the skills you have.

[dcmspikes]

get yourself a contour gauge  for making each side symmetrical

http://www.lowes.com/pd_14154-56005-837_0_?productId=1016371&Ntt=contour%20gauge&Ntk=i_products&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=contour%20gauge

[sxecafe]

Do you think I'll have issues removing the mold if I do it in one piece because of the contours of the side?

[rockcitycafe]

most people plan to not drop the bike

if you have undercuts on the side of the part, you will not get it out of the mold

[sxecafe]

So how about halving the mold, say one from the front and one from the back, when I start and joining then together after they are released?

[sxecafe]

most people plan to not drop the bike

I also dont WANT to do this... but you never know  ... just to be on the safe side since its a one off and making molds is not terribly expensive I figured why not try to preserve it some how.