Hello from the Sonoran Desert

First Stop Introductions
#1

Yes iam another newbie but,
I Thought it was time to say Hello!

DIY composites have interested me for a while so i thought i would give it a try!
Although my 1st attempt at building a mold failed:o. I wouldn’t consider it a total failure as i learned a few things today that will help on my next attempt!

Even after all my reading on here and in books i forgot to take into consideration todays temp in the garage/outside. So I didn’t adjust for it when adding the Mekp to the tooling gel:o. So yep it cured way faster than i expected! I will remember this on my next attempt lol.

I am almost sure i will have some questions as i get further into composites so you may see some newbie posts from me in the future!

#2

Hi Sekon,
Welcome to the forum and posting. I too live in the desert.

Just remember this: 12 to 14 drops of mekp for each ounce of resin. Gel coat seems to gel a little faster than resin so i use about 10 drops per ounce.

You can purchase graduated plastic cups at autobody paint supply stores or composite supply stores.

Mix your gel or resin thourough, scraping the bottom and sides of the cup with the stir stick.

If measuring by percentages mekp is 2%. If spraying resin or gel coat only use 1% mekp. Otherwise it will gel inside the gun and clog it.

#3

Thanks for the Welcome Fastrr!

I will remember your advice on the mekp! Looks like i was over on the drops.
There is a place that sells West System near me so i picked up some graduated cups and mixing sticks from there.
The part i tried making a mold of was small so i was just using a brush to apply the tooling gel.
Do we have a composite supply store here in the desert?

#4

Tiny update.
Made the heat shield before the temps got to bad.
The heat shield isn’t perfect but it will do for now.
The mud gaurd had a huge void.:frowning: Temps were to hot here.
It’s been to hot here to do any more. Will try again when the temps are much cooler

[IMG]http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg309/JSekon/1st2projects.jpg[/IMG]

Finished and on the bike. Doesn’t look to bad.

#5

Well since the other picture wont show up.
Here is a picture before being trimmed. Again the mud gaurd didn’t turn out.