core and gel coat question

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

My materials I ordered to do a couple projects are on back order from composites one. I am making just a semi flat piece for a guy in his stereo construction. The part just can not bow if say 20lbs is put on it. Is there any core material or other product I can use as a core that I can find locally. I am a semi small town but we have the normal lowes and home depot. I was thinking thin cork board as well or is there any trade or company that uses thin foam that I can use as a core?

Secondly my gel coat is backordered as well. They have to bring it in from another station. I need to infuse some parts now so I was going to just do it dry and clear coat them. These are carbon constructions. My question is, is it fine to use tach spray on the mold to hold that carbon down and will it just wash or come off? I am using an infusion polyester to make the part. These are just cosmetic pieces that just need to look pretty and serve really no function lol but it is what my customers want. I have never made a part without gel coat so that is why I ask.

#2

I would probably use foam. Unless you have constraints on thickness, I would just use the thinnest foam you can find(but obviously not to thin). how about this stuff http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=42729-236-263063&lpage=none… or you could always use 1/4 inch thick wood that would be great as you wouldn’t have to worry about installing hard points to screw into… it would just be heavier.

#3

anyone got an answer about the tach spray question?

#4

It depends on the tack spray and how much used. What resin? VIP tack spray works great (melts out) with PER, but not so great with Epoxy resin.

You can use thin cardboard, poster board or perf. paper coremat.

#5

I am just using super 77. I have used the stuff from airtech before but it too easy to go to lowes and get what I need.

It is a CCP RTM polyester resin. I get it from composites one. I just want to make sure if it does not desolve will it have ill effects when I clear coat the part

#6

Then spray LITELY! Too much and you can / will have problems…