I am going to be laminating a flat piece soon, so I have a few Q’s…
1: I am using roomtemp epoxy, can I use glass as both side tool, so I have a nice flat, and compressed panel of CF…will it cure? Is glass a good thing to use (with mirror glaze mold release)?
2: Can I use a fine tooth hacksaw to cut pieces of the CF lam?
3: spill over of epoxy…can I just hacksaw/dremel that off, and many clearcoat, fold over, or paint epoxy on the edge?
4: is drilling holes in CF as bad as dremeling it, in terms of skin irratation? Any special bit needed, or can I use a metal/wood bit?
You should be fine with glass although it’s less on the safe side. I’d try to locate plexiglass or something like that. Don’t just rely on release wax either, you should also use PVA. The excess can be cut off with a sharp blade before it fully cures. If you wait until it’s already hardened, just use a dremel. Skin irritation is something that you do not want to ever experience. The intense itching will keep you up for days depending on how sensitive your skin is. Spend $5 on a breatheable painter suit and wear a hat or something. Goggles and gloves are also highly recommended.
What you’re talking about is what we generally refer to as a sandwhich mold. As Evan pointed out, be very careful with glass for the obvious reasons. You don’t want to break it while trying to pull it apart, and his suggestion of using PVA as well as the wax is a really good idea. Wax the glass a few times, letting it cure 5 minutes or so before buffing each coat, then brush on some PVA. After the PVA dries, use a brush and brush on another layer of wax and buff very lightly. That’ll help get the laminate off the glass. Also, don’t try and pry them apart by hand. Get some plastic wedges, at least 4, and put them in at the corners, tapping gently with a rubber mallet. Be very careful not to break the glass, and I’d suggest wearing safety goggles and protective coverings just in case the glass breaks.
2: Can I use a fine tooth hacksaw to cut pieces of the CF lam?
You can, but you’ll want to use a hacksaw blade in a non-standard hacksaw. They’re kind of like a plastic handle that the hack saw blade sits in. Use one with fine teeth, preferably for laminate cutting. Cut from the finish side up (or which side you’ll expose in your case), and use masking tape on the surface to keep it from chipping. You can do fine trimming with a file.
3: spill over of epoxy…can I just hacksaw/dremel that off, and many clearcoat, fold over, or paint epoxy on the edge?
Should work.
4: is drilling holes in CF as bad as dremeling it, in terms of skin irratation? Any special bit needed, or can I use a metal/wood bit?
I’m with Evan here. The skin irritation is hellish, and I do not suggest exposing yourself to that. It sucks and no amount of washing, lotioning, or anything else helps get rid of it. The only way to deal with it is to prevent it totally.
As far as drilling, it’s not so bad on the dust production. I’d still suggest taking adequate precautions (coverings, goggles, mask) and doing it outside. If you need to cut larger holes, use a hole saw for your drill. Put masking tape over the part you want to drill to keep the surface from chipping, and mark it with a punch.
I’ve found PVA locally at boat supply places like West Marine, and home improvement places tend to carry disposable coveralls. Or check a local paint supply.
