Thanks for the cudos and response. Arltralite, I like the ideas. The aluminum on the underside has a few definite pros like distrubuting load, more pull-through strength, more placement options, ease of use. The only neg might be weight (over 1/4" stainless tnuts), bonding/glueing the aluminum to the ply, and maybe aluminum corrosion issues. Ive never seen, or noticed that in glass work yet. I plan to put a layer of cloth on the 1/2 ply on top and maybe bottom. Ill do some searching for examples, and tech.
The surface is pretty rough for taping. I didnt do a "fill" coat on the two layers of glass(2 oz 0-90 and a layer of 12oz biax over the original ground down surface) in the bottom since its not the last layer. I like the tooth of the grain for the next bond. The cord weather strip stuff is good but i got lazy with it. The wide carpet tape did ok where i did a good job pleating, and proper bag-to-part spacing. Ive read that 6 lbs vacuum is about right. I couldnt turn off the pump. Should i go for more psi? The way I poked through for the gauge sucked bad. My next go will be better.
I try the Meth for cleanup. Ive been using actone. I tried a bit of white Vinegar that seems to work alright.
Heres a shot of the bag fitting i made out of stuff laying around.
