Scared to show you this, but.............

General Composites Discussions Showcase
#1

After doing composites work for 4 years and trying to teach myself what I’m doing wrong (and getting very limited help from the Fibreglast forum), I am motivated to do a whole set of motorcycle bodywork for me and my friends.

The ONLY reason I have tackled such a project is because of this great forum and racingcomposites.net. Y’all have been SUCH a great help and I’ve learned a ton in the last 3 weeks. I still have a bunch to learn, but y’all have gotten me over my plateau and I’m back on a steep curve of learning.

Someday I’ll get the guts to get a gelcoat gun, so I can stop this horrendous brushing that you can see in these pics, but I’d rather throw away a brush than a spray gun. :wink:

I used 3 different materials to make the flange supports. Those playing cards were REALLY nice for the smaller pieces and we have about 50 decks since my wife is in upper management at the local casino. :rolleyes:

So this is what my 17 year old “apprentice” and I completed today. Feel free to shoot me some constructive criticism. I’m open for it :wink:

I know this doesn’t show much, but I’ll bump with more pics when I pop a part out. I’m going to try my FIRST (homemade) vacuum bag part tomorrow out of the one mould that should be ready.

http://www.midwestattachment.com/gabe.htm

#2

Thank you and your welcome!

At first I would have made the flange lengthwise, but after seeing the recess in the back…you did it correctly. Otherwise it would have beed a 3 part mold…but then maybe it still is.

You can get good spray guns for $20 but if you do, have a bucket of Acetone and practice pulling it apart fast. The other thing if you use a spray gun, cut back on MEKP for a longer curing and working time. The lay ups can be hotter to finish curing the gel coat later.

Hmmm…a card shark source…want to trade supplies? :rolleyes:

#3

Good luck loweride, i know the feeling of that first try i also know the disapointment but heck mate i`m pleased for you. I hope it goes well for you today and look forward to seeing your successes. My only advice would be to take your time on the lay up and dont be eager to pull the part from the mold to early let it cure hard.

I agree with werksberg on the gun issue i hav`nt lost a gun yet, come close on one occasion though.

Baz

#4

So I’ll show you my mistakes first. I’m thinking the wrinkles are from laying the gel so unevenly. I actually expected that. I’m hoping I can just sand it, reapply some gel, and sand it into shape. Will that work?

The edges are crap, but I know what we did wrong. I didn’t put those flanges on - my apprentice did :wink:

I’m thinking this is a small enough part - that I should just make a new mould.

#5

Are the wrinkles really wrinkles or alligatoring? Try laying 2 or more brushed on gel coats with less MEKP and at 90 degrees to each layer. Shake the plug/mold gel coat while still wet to level it out.

Try using surfacing veil or the thinnest mat that you can find for the first reinforcment layer too.

Practice makes perfection…go ahead and keep going on the 1st one to get the bugs out of those steps too.

#6

6 month old vinylester doesn’t cure too well. :mad: :frowning:

This hobby can get frustrating. :stuck_out_tongue:

#7

Where do you get the cheap guns?

#8

snocutt, try ebay thats where i get mine.

Baz

#9

…or HarborFrieghttools.com but I get them from a couple of places in Paramount, Calif. but I don’t think they sell international.

AJ / JR tools (562) 630-2474 (they sell to Harbor Freight tools…wink, wink…)

Or
Inpac tools
13902 Paramount Blvd.
Paramount, Calif. 90723

Right next door to Cal Aero surplus…a great place to buy!

#10

What size tip should I look for

#11

You get what it comes with at that price. Thin the resin out or modify the tip of the spray gun.