mickmini wrote:
kazjim wrote:
Also, the CF wont be Vacuum formed / cured - i just dont have access to that kind of stuff,
J
It's easier than you think, although maybe a bit noisy for the neighbours

I got these tips from my mate who used to make America's Cup yachts in Spain and Italy (no they never won, but hey they did not sink like the Aussie one

) He also made a yacht that was a gift from the factory to the King of Spain
1. Vacuum bag = $2 shower curtain from Spotlight (or similar)
2. Absorbtion cloth = $1/m cotton wadding from Spotlight
3. release ply = commercial grade baking paper with little perforated holes in it from catering supplier
4. vacuum pump = eductor and hose attached to your air compressor (this is the noisy bit !)
5. Oven = cardboard box with a fan heater blowing into it.
can't remember what they used to seal the bags, but i can find out. This really works, i saw a video of him making the King's boat and this is what they were doing

They were making 3m long rudders and 4 m long keels using this method, so a little speedo pod should be a breeze
Ok i got a couple of items wrong there so here we go after refreshing my memory with my mate.
1. Builders plastic is ok for vacuum bag, but it can puncture if your oven gets too hot. I would use proper vacuum film. It is readily available and not expensive. (Once upon a time you had to buy a whole roll at $1000 a shot.)
2. nylon shower curtain is for peel ply and upholstery felt or cushion stuffing for absorbtion layer (breather)
3. commercial perforated baking paper for peel ply
4. eductor for compressed air hose to form vacuum - get from panel beaters supplies, they use as vacuum cleaners
5. carboard box oven with fan heater. Or an electric blanket works well for this type of small item.
6. vaccum bag sealer = tacky tape - this is the real aerospace gear - nothing else serves. It is not expensive $20 roll, see contacts below
Suppliers.
shower curtain (peel ply) and cushion stuffing (breather) - get from haberdashery
baking film - bakery
resin, vac film, tacky tape, fillers - SP Systems in Mona Vale
Useful info:
http://www.spsystems.com
michael
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