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#1

Hi guys. Today I was looking for info on how to work wit carbon fiber and I found this forum. Well I want start off making some small things for my Audi. I’m looking at my first mod being eye lids for my lights. I have a plastic set as of right now. Will I be able to use them to make my mold? And what am I going to ned as far as product to get started. I guess I’m asking for you guys to give me a shopping list of the things I need to get started. From what I have read I should be looking for 3k carbon fiber “I think”. And what is a good place to buy my products from? Sorry that this is so long I read some of the topics but I’m a little lost…Thanks for any help you can give me…
Erik

#2

Hey Erik,

Now you have 2 options on what you want to do.

  1. You can take carbon fiber and cover it over it over your plastic eyelids
    or
  2. You can make a negative/mirror mold from your plastic eyelids and produce replacement eyelids out of carbon fiber off of your molds.

Most people who starts out choose option number one. And here are the pros and cons

  1. Pros: quicker turn around, less materials cost
    Cons: labor intensive, part does not last long, you don’t really learn anything

  2. Pros: you learn how to create a plug (or buck), create a mold and be able to make as many parts from the molds as you like
    Cons: longer turn around time from beginning to your first completed part, more materials cost involved

Naturally I would recommend 2, but it’s really up to you because you’re the one doing the work. So think about it and let me know which one you pick and we’ll go from there. I have started building an online store that you will be able to get all the supplies/materials that you’ll need. You can visit it here at www.icancomposites.com

Good luck,
Evan

#3

Thanks Even. I’m looking at #2 I dont want to go the easy way. I would rather try the correct way and learn from my mistakes. I know it’s not going to be easy to start out. But I would rather try and start with the eye brows. And work my way up form there. I’m a little confused on how to make the molds and how it alll works. I have been reading some of the treads and without ever working with stuff like this it’s a little hard for me to put it all in place…Thanks for help. I cant wait to get started :smiley:

#4

If you can, post a picture of what your eyelids look like and we’ll go from there. Basically you’re going to make a female mold off of your existing eyelids first. Then you’re going to lay the carbon into your mold and what you’ll end up with is a part that is the same size and shape of your originals.

#5

They look like this Even. I’m at work when I get home I could take some pics of the ones I have. Or will this do?

#6

That looks simple enough. I am guessing that the eyelid also has a top portion that fits the top of the head light too correct?

#7

Yes it does. I thougt that would be something small to sart off with. Then work my way up.

#8

Ok quick overview. Your stock eyelids are going to be your plug. Some old school’ers will also refer to it as a “buck”. If it already has a nice polished finish, you won’t need to do much with it. You can pretty much move on to the next stage which is building the molds. But before we get into that, lets prepare your plug.

  1. You will need some demolding wax and perhaps some PVA. This will prevent your mold from permanently sticking to your plug. That wouldn’t be a good thing obviously. Most people say any carnuba wax will do. I’m a little more cautious so do it at your own risk.
    1.a. Now make sure that your plastic eyelids are clean. Wash them with soap or whatever and get all the dust and gunk out. Take it to a paint shop and have them shoot a coat of clear on it if you have scratches or imperfections that you don’t want to have. Set it on some kind of platform and secure it so that it won’t move around. I would set it on some kind of stand and secure it.
    1.b. Apply the demolding wax, let it haze or dry (usually about 15 minutes) and then wipe off all the wax. You’ll need to do this at least 5-10 times.
    1.c. Take a foam brush and apply a thin even layer of PVA. Let it dry completely (normally about 30 minutes or more) and apply a second thing and even coat.

Now your plug is done and ready to go.

#9

I still need to buy all the products to get this going. Who sells this wax to make the mold?? Could you give me a list of all the things I’m going to need to get started? Thanx

#10

Okay lets see.

  1. Mold release wax
  2. PVA
  3. Tooling gel coat
  4. Laminating resin
  5. Carbon fiber cloth
  6. Fiberglass cloth
  7. Fiberglass mat
  8. Brushes (foam&chip)

That’s the basic stuff you’ll need for now. Do you want to make just one set of eyelids for yourself? Let me know and I’ll tell you how much material you’ll need altogether. I can put together a package for you.

#11

I would like to make a few sets. Plus I know I will mess up a few times. If you could put together a package for me that would be great.

#12

I’d like suggest using some handy tupperware and a chunk of softish modeling clay as an easy way to make a stand for your eyebrows. The modeling clay makes a nice conformable tacky holder, and the tupperware should be upside down obviously…
I’ve done a few things similar to that, and the tupperware and clay worked great. Everyone has tupperware in 600 shapes and sizes kicking around the kitchen…