[hpv-boats] List Activity

[Bob Stuart]

On 1-May-09, at 7:47 PM, Rick Willoughby wrote:
>
> I do not use vacuum bagging for my panels but this is no doubt the  
> best way.  I lay out cardboard on a flat concrete floor and this is  
> covered with plastic.  I then place the sheets of klegecell  
> (Corecell would be better), spread epoxy over these then roll out  
> 200gsm bi-axial CF cloth.  This is then liberally coated with  
> epoxy. A thicker coating of epoxy on a light layup improves  
> compressive strength immensely so is worth the weight.  I then lay  
> a smooth layer of plastic over the CF and place chipboard sheets on  
> top of this.  Final step is to load the boards with weight.  (I do  
> not have a vacuum pump and cannot stand running a vacuum cleaner  
> until the epoxy cues.)  I repeat the process after rolling the  
> panel over but only after the first side has cured.

I've done OK using salvaged refrigerator compressors as vacuum  
pumps.  With no internal flow, they heat up, but wet rags wicking  
moisture from a tray, and sometimes a small fan, will keep them cool  
enough. I recommend "dry bagging" using a squeegee to move excess  
resin to the vacuum ports, which are equipped to collect it safely.

Best,
Bob Stuart

Never argue with a parrot.