New and need help

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Hi everyone,

I’m new to composite work for the most part. I would like to make a CF part for my bike, but to start off with make a mold and a glass part to start. I plan on making about 3 parts if it turns out. But I need direction on what materials to buy and where. For the mold I was thinking of using bondo covered with glass could I use some resin found at homedepot? What would be an ok/cheap release agent? What about tooling resin do I need it?

Here is some pictures of the part.



From the pictures do you think I need a 2 part mold?
In the middle of the part it is textured and has a logo I would like to get rid of all this.
Would I be better to:
A. make a mold as is and fix the mold?
B. make a mold and a new plug fix the new plug and remold?
C. puddy the first plug (I still want to keep it in good shape so no sanding on this plug)?
D. puddy up the first plug high so I can fill in the mold?
E. you tell me.

Thanks.

#2

If this is your first time working with Composites, I’d suggest a simpler project to get you going.

Otherwise, you’ll get frustrated and may toss it in the can…and that only would be a waste of your time & money.:eek:

You need to learn to walk before running a 4 minute mile.

I get students into my Free Composites & Plastics ROP class and I ask them to bring a simple object to learn how to make a mold from. They may (if they even attempt to get something, but most of the time, I have to have many things already there…) find something really cool, but way to complex to make a mold from, at lest for their first time attempt.

If they insits they can do it, I give them the go ahead…and most of the time they tire of all the steps to properly make that mold…and stop attending. No one wins then…:frowning:

#3

Sure I would be willing to do some simple projects to get the hang of it. What types of projects would you suggest. Also if you could point me in the corect direction on supplies to start out with that will not break the bank.

I wish it was not a 2 day drive to your class or I would attend.

#4

Well, you might want to try and attend the Sampe Composite trade show in Long Beach on May 2,3 & 4th and if you do, stop be my class on the 2nd and / or 4th (Tuesday & Thursday nights)?

www.sampe.org

#5

Do you know of any trade shows or training in minnesota 2000 miles is a little far to drive for a trade show.

#6

Your playing with a honda cruiser bike. Most of them have the side panel covers for the batter right below the seat. A false oil tank if you will.

Id buy one of those on ebay and do the neccessary steps to prepping it and then building a mold off of it. They have plastic nipples on the back side but thats not the important thing to think of right now, just getting your feet wet is.

If you just want to play…Id go to one of the marinas in your area (I lived in minneapolis for a short while) and ask them for a supplier for some tooling gelcoat, regular gelcoat and cloths, resins and catalyst. They fix boats and have access to most anything you are wanting.

Then read, read, read some more.

Im not a fan of Fibreglast but they do have a video series that may help you. I prefer to see what Im learning but Ive managed to do alot of learning with text no less.

Good luck and have some fun!

#7

Drive…try flying…wink, wink…just kidding ya!

There is NPE June 19th thru the 23rd but it has been 10 to 13 years since I have been to one of those shows. It is at McCormick Place in Chicago and it takes a couple of days to walk thru that show…but mostly Thermoplastics like Injection, rotational, vacuum forming and the like moldings.

It seem to me when I did make that show, there was SOME Thermosetting Composite exhibits too but…

www.npe.org