What is the best method of sealing the edge of ply and joining it to another sheet to make a waterproof butt joint.
regards,
harry keene.
joining ply
Best method is to scarph it, where you cut each piece of ply several inches (depending on the thickneass of ply) back at the same angle, and then stick the cut edges together. If butt jointing, however, the best way would be to coat the edges first with neat epoxy (no filler) and possibly using a hot air blower (don't let the epoxy bubble) get it to soak in as far as it can. Then you get your extra backing piece of ply (various sizes recommended by whoever you talk to, but at least a couple of inches overlap on 4 or 6 mm ply, and some may say 6") and put your joint together on a flat surface with the backing piece on top, and using slightly thickened epoxy (don't forget the butt) glue it. Weigh it down with heavy flat things, wipe away excess as best you can, and leave it till solid. If doing it on a boat already in existance, you may have to fit the backing piece to the old side first, and the angles get more complex, but the method will be similar, but using fixings not weights.
OK guys, shoot me down in flames...
OK guys, shoot me down in flames...
Rupert