Posted by Jim Andrada on March 05, 2002 at 20:22:43:
In Reply to: ignorant about fiberglass techniques posted by js on March 05, 2002 at 09:29:02:
Fiberglass technique might be one thing, but I think it's the least of the problems you face. I'm certainly not a specialist but I've built a nice 18' wood strip canoe and the fiberglass work, while messy and requiring some care, was easy to learn.
The real problem would be case design. I'm afraid just making a fiberglass shell around a "cast" of the horn won't offer it enough extra protection to justify the weight of the fiberglass. Unsupported panels of 'glass are pretty flexible and absent the right amount of "crush" space inside the case will transmit shock and impact directly to the horn. In particular you also have to think about impact to the corners of the case - I've seen even well designed packaging with healthy amounts of foam transmit enough bending stress to deform a pretty solid assembly - much stronger and stiffer than a Tuba bell