First order questions

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Hey guys,

I’ve been lurking for a few days and after reading everything on the board - I think I’m ready to jump in and see just how bad I really am at this stuff! Should be fun!

So, I’ve going to place an order with US Composites.

Here’s what I’m thinking of getting…

-3-5 yards of 5.5oz 4H 3k CF (hoping it is a little easier to drape than the standard weave, and going for that little bit of extra bling y0!) :smiley:
-1/2 Gal Medium 635 epoxy
-Pack of 50 Tongue Depressors to manipulate epoxy and whatnot

Anything else I think I can pick up from Home Depot(gloves, brushes etc.).

Does 1/2 gallon of epoxy seem like it would be enough for 5 yards of 30" wide CF? Should I go more?

Any glaring ommissions, faults in my list? I’m hoping this gets me started, and I can practice on a few easy pieces, then I’ll know what else I should get to better tackle jobs.

Not really interested in vac-bagging right now, even though it definitely looks like the way to go. Kinda out of my budget.

TIA for any replies!

Hopefully I won’t ask too many questions before I can start answering some on my own!

-Jacob

#2

Hey,

Glad you see you joined. Good choice on going with US Composites. I just ordered from them last week too. The easiest to drape is the 2x2 twill IMO. It’s just hard to get the pattern to stay straight.

Looks like you got everything you need. All of the other stuff you can easily get locally. The 1/2 gallon should be enough for 3 yards but I’m not sure about 5 yards. I’m trying to factor in all the extra resin that you’re going to be throwing away also. You’ll know what I’m talking about once you get started.

One important thing that you need to have is some kind of measuring device for the resin/hardener. It gotta be dead on or your resin will not cure properly. Just shell out another $5 for the pumps unless you have a gram scale laying around at home. I am using the pumps right now but I just got an electric scale so now I’m going to start using that. I want my mixture to be as acurate as possible.

So all in all I think you’re ok. Don’t buy too much resin at a time. It has a relatively short shelf life so you’ll be wasting it anyway. Just order more if you need more later. 1/2 gal is plenty enough to get you started AND some.

Good luck,
Evan

#3

BTW, I remember reading back on BF.c someone mentioned something about how toxic epoxy is and how it melts latex gloves. Not sure if he experienced it personally but it hasn’t happened to me. But do wear gloves because the resin can cause an alergic reaction with your skin. My skin is not alergic to resin, but it is to fiberglass and carbon fiber.

Evan

#4

Thanks for the reply!

I forgot about the pumps, I was planning to order those as well. I can understand the throwing the epoxy away part. I’m sure you rarely use even half of what you mix up until you get really good at eyeballing it!

I think I’m going to go with the 2x2 Twill instead of the 4H after looking at a bunch of different parts. The 4H is definitely unique looking, but I’m starting to wonder if the 2x2 Twill wouldn’t be more pleasing to the eye in the long run. Superflulous I know, but bling has at least some place on a street car.

I already picked up some heavy duty Neoprene gloves from HD that are supposedly meant for handling chemicals. Let’s hope I don’t find out Neoprene and the epoxy have an exothermal reaction my first outting!

So looks like the only change is the addition of the pumps and going with 3 yards of 50" wide 2x2 Twill 3k CF.

I’ll give them a call tomorrow and place my order since I’ve read about your previous experience with online ordering at US Composites.

You can expect a post detailing my utter failure in a week or so. :lol:

#5

The only way to not waste epoxy is by weighing it. Weight your fabric and the amount of resin that you use should weigh the same if not a litlle bit less.