Mirror dinghy

[calloo]

I recently bought my grandson an old plywood mirror dinghy to get him started in this pleasing activity of sailing. I rubbed down the hull, which is sound , but in the process I have removed most of the ribbon and resin used at the joints. I will have to replace this ribbon and resin. Will any kind contributer please tell me the best material for the ribbon and where may I get it? The resin, hopefully, will be no problem.
Thanks

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[Skysail]

What you need is glass fibre tape, if I recall from my Mirror mending days its about 2 inches wide. I found these suppliers via Google: there may be others more local to you.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.epoxy-resins.co.uk/Shop/glasstape.html>http://www.epoxy-resins.co.uk/Shop/glasstape.html</A>

They may also give advice on the process, and also supply GRP resin.

Lovely little boat, I hope your grandson enjoys it.

Keith

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[VicS]

The glass tape does tend to come off easily but it is also easy to renew. The trouble is that polyester resin dosn't stick to wood that well. Epoxy would be better but probably costs more and therefore not worth it.

Don't mix up to much resin at once especially if you will be waiting for warmer weather. Practically everyone who has built a Mirror can remember how the first batch mixed suddenly gets very hot and sets solid!

The tape used in places on the inside eg over the joints in the deck is a lighter grade than that else where.

The Mirror class association is at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com>http://www.ukmirrorsailing.com</A> and there you'll find a link to Trident who now sell the kits. That may be useful if you need spare parts (expensive though)

I still have the building instructions if there is anything you need to know.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[jfm]

Yes you need 2inch glassfibre tape. Could try Glassplies in Southport, very cheap supplier

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[aitchw]

For the relatively small amount of resin involved use epoxy. Use some mixed with colloidal graphite to make a stiff filler and wipe in a curved fillet down the joint. Ice lolly sticks are good for this (and Grandson can help acquire them). This provides a less severe bend for the tape to form to. It need not be an expensive job and skyva2s supplier recommendation is a good one. They are also very helpful with advice on techniques for all kinds of jobs.

It's a straightforward job and when you've done the first strip or so you'll whistle through it but you will need somewhere warm to work.

Good luck.

Howard

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[rogerthebodger]

Hi VicS
I have been given a number of mirror kits from a frend who was manufacturing kits in South Africa some years ago. I have been trying to get a set of plans or biulding instructions to help me complete the kits to help some of our kids to start sailing. I note you still have a set of building instructions. Would it be possible to either E-Mail of Fax me a copy.
Thanks in advance

Roger Shaw

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[Talbot]

Beware that some of the really old mirrors have become brittle, and the plywood instead of giving (and thus absorbing an impact to a rock ) just break.

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[VicS]

The tape supplied by Bell woodworking was not 2" but 1½" X 18 thou for the main seams and 1½" fine for sealing the decks.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[AndrewB]

Been there.

As well as specialist suppliers, any chandlers will be able to supply the woven glassfibre tape, plus either polyurethane or epoxy resin depending which you prefer. Personally I'd use the first for this, it's cheaper, easier to work and quite strong enough.

In the past I've also seen both the tape and polyurethane resin (as part of a repair kit) for sale in Halfords.

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[jfm]

I stand corrected VicS. And yes, you are correct that it was a finer tape for the decks, for aesthetic reasons and to seal the buoyancy tanks better. Sorry, it was 1976 when I last made a Mirror

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[snowleopard]

the mirror has only 6mm ply skin so therre's a risk of putting your foot through the bottom on an old boat. consider covering the bottom inside with a layer of glass cloth (not woven roving) lapped an inch up the sides of the buoyancy tanks. a 500ml pack of west epoxy should do the job (make sure you get the fastest-setting grade if doing it in a uk winter).

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[VicS]

As recently as 1976!........

........To be honest about it though I only beat you 1 year.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[jfm]

Mine was sail # 56816. Pretty sure it was 1976, possibly 77. One of the first with an alloy mast (seam welded, and it bent in some weather, so I replaced it with extruded)

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[calloo]

Thanks very much for these helpful responses.
Martin

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Martin,

Blooming amazing how many have fond memories of the 'Old Mirror'.

just to make things a little easier, only use large containers so the resin is shallow, this will help keep the heat down; one litre ice cream containers are fine, pot life can be 10 to 45 minutes depending on mix ratio and ambient temperature, don't apply epoxy if the humidity is above 74%.

Try putting the resin on first, use a one brush and do a strip at a time, by putting some resin on the job first you will reduce the amount in the pot and reduce the heating, this practice also helps speed up the wetting out of the cloth, use a fine threaded roller to work the resin into the cloth.

If using epoxy, a ratio of one to one cloth and resin will give the best results; standard resins require a ratio of one cloth to two or more of resin, so the extra cost of epoxy is offset by the fact you use a lot less.

You will need a very small radius on external corners, or the glass will form voids on one side, it does have to be huge, just enough to bend the glass around.

Epoxy resin will give you more strength and less weight, you will have to apply a couple of coats over the cured glass after washing and sanding to seal it properly.

I hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend.........



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[calloo]

Thanks Brian
Your letter will be a great help. It seems that my enquiery has awakened a few happy memories. I guess though that I will have to wait for some warmer weather. It is below zero here in Scotland. I could do with a bit of your OZ heat and sunshine.
All the best
Martin

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day martin,

1915 hrs and 28*c here, was 31 just after noon today, wish I could you some, however the humidity is around 80% so no epoxy (other than water based) today.

You could turn her upside-down and stick an old kero heater under her in the shed, should work on.

Meantime, avagoodweekend..........

<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.