Workability of Mineral Wool vs. Fiberglass

[Amphiprion]

OK, so OC703 looks somewhat better than equal thickness mineral wool, but mineral wool is mucho cheaper. Ignoring performance issues (since I can look up absorption values online), how is working with rock wool compared to fiberglass? Is it as stiff? Messy or messier? Health hazards? Stuff like that, comments especially appreciated from anyone with experience!

[PMazz]

Well, the guys that sell the stuff affectionately call it "rotten glass". Actually that's a pretty good description, as it looks like really old fiberglass batting. It doesn't seem to be itchy like fiberglass but I'm not sure about any other risks.

Pete

[dyazdani]

When you say "working with," what are you trying to do with it?

[Amphiprion]

Handling, cutting (with whatever the appropriate tool is), use of adhesives to glue it to a backer board, rigidity.

[ThomasW]

OC 703 is easier to work with as compared to mineral wool

[Amphiprion]

In what ways?

[ThomasW]

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kidder/Audio/Room/PANEL/Panels.htm

[dyazdani]

Yep, based on your description, I agree with Thomas. 703 is very easy to work with, it holds together well and cuts easily without a lot of fugitive particles.

[noah katz]

What is mineral wool actually made from?

[ThomasW]

An inorganic fibrous substance that is produced by steam blasting and cooling siliceous materials as rock, slag, glass, or combinations of these. It's used as an insulator and a filtering material. Also called rock wool.

...... :B

[noah katz]

Interesting, thanks Thomas.

I guess it must already be molten when they steam blast it.