Ok, so I finally statred doing some cf work… More for practice than anything, but Im trying to make a part really stiff (heels guards on motorcycle rearsets). How many layers do I need to make it stiff enough so it doesnt bend easy and do you have to add alot of epoxy resin. I figured that the angles of the weave should be varied also to give it sterength, but to outside layers should be at a “45” degree angle for best looks. Also how many layers do you guys usually use in general. 3-4 layers?
It all depends on what reinforcements you are using, the binding agents and process.
The best thing for anyone to do is make a bunch of small test panels with different lay ups to find what you need and keep them around for reveiw later on.
Im using:
epoxy resin
cf “uni”
aluminized fiberglass “silver cf”
wet lay up - brushing the epoxy on (i think thats the right term).
Well anyway I kinda figured it out its pretty stiff right now. These have to be pretty stiff and all the ones that you can buy seem pretty thick. I have 6 layers on the cf and 1 layer of the “silver” right now. Im going to add 3 more layers of the silver so that there is the 6 layers of cf sandwiched between 2 layers of silver on each side. Then I have to clearcoat, sand and buff to shine.
Hey seems pretty interesting, let me know how it turns out, and how many layers you end up with.
Finished the heelguards. I ended up with 10 layers total, and its really stiff. I still need to add a couple coats of resin and sand it down though. This was using a wet lay-up process. You could get it just as stiff using 7-8 layers total. Or maybe even less if you are bagging it.
Why are you adding resin to the final part? How thick was the finished part? What kind of CF did you use? Hey do you have any pics of the final part?
I used 6 layers of cf “uni” and four of the “silver” cf. Im adding more resin to give it that glossy “3d” look. i would say use less layers of cf because its really stiff right now and i still need to add more resin. also its almost as heavy as the stock heelguards, so less layers would keep the weight down. Ill probably give these to my friend and make tinner ones for myself. I dont have a camera at the moment. My sister is borrowing it. Im thinking that Ill probably cut a few layers out. Ill probably do 2 layers of “silver” followed by 2 layers of cf “uni” and then 2 more layers of silver on the inside do it looks silver throughout.
Sounds good can’t wait to see it. 
are you vacuum bagging it? maybe you could use some core material to stiffen it up,10 layers seems very excessive :?
Wet lay up. Like I said this is my first project working with cf, and the next time Im making a set, Im going to cut it down to 6 layers total. These heelguards have to be very stiff and strong. I dont know how anyone else rides, but my heels rest on these unless Im shifting, braking, or stopped.
Im already almost done with my second project. Im in the process of making an undertail for my bike. All I need to do with this is to get an even coat of resin and polish it out. Other parts I plan to make are, front fender, rear hugger, chain guard, ram air tube, and fairing stay.
My sister brought the camera back, so Ill get some pics up later today.
A lot of resin doesn’t make the part stronger, maintaining a good cloth/resin ratio is what you want to aim for. 10 layers doesn’t sound too bad.
I wanted to add the extra coat of resin to give it that 3d glossy look. 10 layers isnt too bad, but if I can get away with 6 layers, itll be that much lighter and that much less cf and resin Ill be using for every set I make.
Here is one of the pics of the heel guards before I cut them out to the proper shape.
What are you going to use to cut it with, an dhow are you going to smooth out the cuts with.
I cut it with a diamond cut off wheel for my dremel. I cleaned up the edges with some sand paper. I tried posting a pic up but for some reason it wouldnt accept it… Ill try again later.
they look great cant you bag them with a gelcoat to get the finish you are looking for?
You probably could, but I dont have the funds or materials to vaccum bag anything right now. One step at a time.
Hey spoon, was just wondering where you got the silver cf from, looks great.