Guide picks
Abrasive Grinding
Instructions for preparing metallographic specimens by abrasive grinding. Materials include composites and ceramics. Includes recommended procedures, abrasive products, machine speeds, etc.
Anodizing Aluminum
Ron Newman shows how to anodize aluminum in your garage. Article is about telescopes, but applies to any aluminum parts. Warning: anodizing is a hazardous operation!
Anthony's Board Building Links
Extensive collection of links on surfboard and sailboard building. I've linked to some of the composite how to's, but Anthony has a lot more information..
Basics of Vacuum Bagging
All vacuum bags are made in essentially the same way. This article shows the basic components of a bag and how they go together.
Bicycle Frame Part 1
Damon Rinard shows how he made a carbon bicycle frame in his garage. This page is an overview with pictures; be sure to also read the full article. And check out his home page.
Bicycle Frame Part 2
Damon Rinard is working on a new composite bicycle frame. Follow the progress on his new Web page, complete with pictures and descriptions.
Boatbuilding Methods
Pictorial overviews of boatbuilding with plywood, one-off fiberglass, steel & aluminum, and strip planking. Pages must be viewed sequentially, but otherwise the content is good.
Boatbuilding with Bead and Cove
Ad for a book on building boats with foam core systems. A few sample pictures, plus the Forward and Introduction, are on the site.
Book of Boat Designs
Plans and kits for 21 or so boats from Glen-L Marine Designs. Catalog gives descriptions and photos of finished boats. Most plans are in the $30-$40 range.
Boston Whaler Repair
James Hebert explains how he repaired some nicks and gouges in the fiberglass hull of his Boston Whaler. No pictures, but a nicely detailed step-by-step description.