I spent a bit of time when I first had my stroke, researching various fabric costs from different suppliers. I found it to be quite interesting and hope to share this information with others. Nothing better to do while getting better! [:D]
<u>A few comments first:</u>
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I used only cloth that measured at least 39+ inches wide - so that one width could be used to lay-up a one meter hull - although there seemed to be a nominal jump in size from about 38 inches up to around 50 inches.
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Some sellers listed their fabrics with only a minor difference in weight per square yard. I did not try to determine if really that accurate, or just a way to not have to compete by altering the specifications slightly. Is there really a difference between 1.4 oz. and 1.5 oz. glass - and is the 1.6 oz cost of $1.45/yd. accurate? I didn’t purchase and physically compare - but if you do … and you find errors… please post the corrections here for others.
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Discount Composites have an extensive line of products, but their tables are confusing, and I found I could not get an email answer to my email questions. If you know “Exactly” what you want and can find it there, they do have attractive prices.
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Prices shown are as of October 2004 and are US Dollars per lineal yard of the fabric and width shown.
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Aerospace Composites has a minimum “package” of 2 yards but I would worry it may come folded and have creases in the fabric from the fold.
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In the carbon fabrics - some sellers provided the “K” count - others did not - again, knowing exactly what specs you want will be very helpful.
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Prices for Fiber Glass Supply are per yard from 1 yard to three yards. Most sellers have price breaks for multiple yards - but I have based the table prices on a single yard length - or their minimum cut yardage.
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Lastly - there are lots more places that sell fabrics - so by no means does this list include all of them - but it may be a good reference point as to what “market” prices might be for the fabric you are intending to purchase.
I tried to “attach” a file - but that option doesn’t seem to be working - so here is a direct post.
