Customer Reviews

Fiberglass & Composite Materials

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The book provides information about many different types of composite materials. It discusses the differences in these materials and why you would choose one over the other. It is definately not a step by step guide nor is it geared to any one specific use of composite materials. This is probably a book for a boat/race car/airplane designer who needs to know more about the different types of composites out there. It also covers building molds and plugs; something more for the commercial person than the do it yourselfer. If you just want to build/repair a boat or a car there are better books out there. If you have no clue about the different types of fiberglass cloth and resins and the like and you are about to start a big project, then maybe this is the book for you. Just remember, it is not a step by step guide and it does not go into great detail on any one specific topic. It is sort of an industry overview.

An excellent book for learning about fiberglass/composites. Before reading this book, I had little knowledge about composties, but a desire to learn. The information is presented in a way that anyone can understand it. Aird educates the reader about different fiber types and weaves, resins and resin systems, gel coat, trade tools, safety, and basic lay-up. He also includes information on molds, plugs, and strength/stress -- though I feel these sections make having some hands-on knowledge of composites an asset, which I lack. It is an excellent book that can take you from knowing nothing, to a point where you can talk intelligently about composites with someone in the FRP field. As other reviews have pointed out, this is not a step by step manual; but is probably a prerequisite to actually understanding one. In conclusion: I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about fiberglass and composite systems.

This book is more of an overview than a step-by-step instruction book, but it still contains a great deal of highly practical information. If you are thinking of using composites in a car, homebuilt plane, or boat, this book is a good first step. It is one of the few that is up-to-date enough to treat the new epoxy systems and fibers like Kevlar and carbon as practical options.

The short answer is "this book is awesome". This guy explains the how and the why, and the "whys" he includes are there because it's important to understand them. He doesn't bother with minute details that are irrelevant or insignificant, but certainly made me feel like I "safely" understand the details that are important to know. Not only does he give a good basis on which one can get started with fiberglass and other composite materials themselves, but he also provides a good basis on how to set up shop and what equipment is suitable for one to buy, depending on what they plan to make. He explains what goes wrong if you don't do things right (he was "man enough" to describe his own past mistakes so that you don't have to repeat them), how to fix them (if possible) if you do screw something up, what is risky and what isn't, and what is feasible and/or viable based on your budget and time commitment. He also provides excellent information about physical strengths and weaknesses of fiberglass and other composite materials, including comparisons to metals and other traditional materials and which is best for a given application (and why).

Some of the other reviews pointed out that this book is NOT a step-by-step guide, and it's not, BUT THAT'S A PLUS, not a minus. The inherent problem with a step by step guide is that although it's easy and fast to follow, it gives one little (if any) understanding of why things are done that way, and no understanding at all of what happens if you deviate from that procedure, which leaves one high and dry if they want to do something original or something that has no standard procedure. This book gives the reader such a well-rounded understanding that the reader is prepared to tackle his or her own original projects and other non-standard challenges. In other words, the reader is all set to build on this foundation and "go places".

This is about the best book I've ever read on how to do something, and this is because the author wrote it in a such a way as to give the reader just the right amount of background, how-to knowledge, product and component knowledge, and general information on application of the materials and techniques. I give it the highest marks and recommendations :)

This book proven to be an excellent overview, as many of it previous reviews have stated. As an introduction to the subject, I would definately recommend this book.

This book is excellent for the new to the field. Book provides with theory, reference and step by step examples with real life projects. Hints for the correct procedures and even what to do when things go wrong. Photos give excellent references and theres even a section that tells you in intricate detail how to mount your own shop be it home based or huge comercial grade.It is a must buy for everyone considering to do this as a full time or part time job like me.

This book was excellent for the beginner trying to build anything out of fiberglass. It covers all the bases, gives enough information to do it right the first time.

This book is very good about covering a range of topics that arise when considering to begin and entry level composite work. It also describes how far composites could be taken given the time and money.

Hi!!!
I was amazed and surprised by this particular book on
Fiberglass & composite Materials. From my point of view, this
book is a great source of information and knowledge. I'll recommande it to every one !!!!

I'm new to building fiberglass parts and this book explained how to go about creating a fiberglass mold. As with anything, I still wanted to know more, but this book served its purpose and met my expectations. If you're new to this hobby, I highly recommend this book. Very informative and plenty of pictures and easy reading. There were plenty of pictures and illustrations. It worked for me. Two thumbs up or five stars. Great read.