advice needed on making a fibre glass mould to form a tank 8x4x4?

Question

any advice on this diy project thanks

I know about release angles
and to radius corners
and the high costs of construction
and costs of resin & glass
But what is the probabilty of succes
obviusly I need to get it right first time
Time working on it is not really a concern

Answer 1

I recall some response to a Q like this recently. Was that yours? I also recall some of the details, and one answer asking the purpose of the tank; which might actually matter.
Also if it was you; I recall you asking about at least two different thoughts. One being laying up a tank; the other about building the 8 x4x4 and laminating fiberglass over.
The second choice would be the easiest. For one thing to do the lay up, you'd need at least two Mold halves. Fiberglass doesn't offer such an easy release from 90 degree angles; most especially in a size that large.
I also recall one answer, and my partial agreement, about looking at buying a tank.
In the end however; it may go back to the intent/purpose of the tank, and you might be better off building an 8 x 4 x 4 BOX; then laminate glass over.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

well, the structure will need to be laminated to around 1/2 inch thick and 3/4 on the structural webs... and it will need reinforcing... and if you intend to put water in it, remember that 250 gallons weighs around 1.35 tons... (and that was a 6x2x2 tank i built) so, conservatively your looking at 3 tons of water... (if indeed it is for water)

given the cost of raw materials, (resin is 18 quid a gallon) the matting and the many many hours of construction... you may be able to find one... farmers use this size tank to dip sheep etc...

Answer 3

Forget it! Go out and buy one or look on ebay.