Environment for creating CF pieces

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#1

Thanks for this forum guys!

I was wondering what kind of environment you have to work with when you make CF pieces?

  • Do you do your work in your garage or a dedicated shop?
  • What kind of climate/environment is required? Absolutely dust-free or is garage ok? Climate controlled?
  • How much room do you need?
  • How much of a mess does this stuff make? Can you do it in an interior room of the house without getting toxic glass fibers everywhere?

I kind of have limited space since I actually park cars in my garage.
I have a small shop attached to the side of my house but it’s not climate-controlled. I also have an extra bedroom that I could do some work in but don’t want to create too huge of a mess. And we have a newborn and I don’t want her to inhale/ingest anything bad (that will happen when she gets to college! :slight_smile: ).

#2

Hey Ian,

An ideal working area should be at least 70 degree and free of moisture. Dust free would be ideal although not absolutely a must. Most of this stuff is non toxic but I wouldn’t do it inside the house because it doesn’t exactly smell good either.

The more room you have to work with the better. I can usually do most small stuff on lets say a dinner table. Messy factor is high because the epoxy can get all over the place. Strands of fabric are easily separated from the fabric and can find itself flying around also.

Let me know if I missed out on anything.

#3

How long does it take to make a piece, on average?
Let’s say you want to make a small piece, like an interior piece such as the E36 glovebox trim or steering wheel tabs, door pulls, etc.
How much drying time is involved - is it days or hours?
Is it possible to complete a piece in a day?

I could live with parking a car outside the house if it’s only for a day or two. The garage seems like the best way to go for me for space to do this. I might need to look into refurbishing my little workshop if I need space long-term!

This is one of those projects that causes tons of side projects and unforseen expenses, isn’t it? I can see it coming! :roll:

#4

You are dead on Ian,

A piece like a glove box trim can be done in a few days. I don’t think anything can be done within one day. Cure time varies from several hours to several days to weeks. Warm temperature helps so heat up your work area to about 70 degree or so and you’ll be fine.

#5

my glove box trim piece cured in a 4 hours i had a work light shinin on it from about 2 feet away