Started doing my own carbon fiber work.

[gabytech]

jakelandry, I also have quite an extensive experience with fiberglass boat repairs. Working with carbon fiber is a totally different world than fiberglass. If you thinking of making a carbon fiber headliner, I would suggest for you to first make small parts as a method of practicing with carbon fiber rather than experimenting with it making a headliner. I would suggest reading a few books on working with composites first..

 

[gixrman]

I've done some CF work for a few members on here (Puals compound turbo air intake) and its very time consuming and messy!!
I learned a lot from this site about composites
www.fiberglassforums.com

 

[Blurred Talon]

Some good links here. I'm starting to play around with doing some CF stuff now.

Anyone want to share any tips on working with CF on more complex curvy parts?

 

[debbie]

Ive posted this before and think its the way to go in regards to making carbon fibre parts.
How To Do Perfect Vacuum Resin Infusion of a Carbon Fibre (Fiber) Part - Basic Tutorial - YouTube

Only thing that was putting me off was the price of the vacuum pump. But as always theres some clever bugger found away.
Building your own Vacuum pump

 

[my98gsx]

Sorry, ive been really busy at work and have not been able to get on the computor. I have worked with fiberglass many times prior to working with cf and I do find them to be similar. Like fiberglass you are working with a resin and a "cloth-like" material. The cf stretches unlike fiberglass, it can be moulded into tight curves, and indents very easily. I was shocked how well it conformed to the parts, and I cant wait to get my hands on those mirrors to try a more challenging part. The links greengoblin posted are great, they have everything needed to get started. I honselty bought the materials about a year ago, but never had the time to start working with it until recently. Im home today so ill snap a few shots of the finished fog covers.

 

[my98gsx]

After a final sanding, and alot of buffing the shine really came out. Im very pleased with the finished product, especially since this was my first ever attempt working with cf. Im now going to attempt some bigger pieces.

<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/Barfighter15/?action=view&amp;current=100MEDIA_IMAG0370.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p150/Barfighter15/100MEDIA_IMAG0370.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[Blurred Talon]

Looks really good!

I won't post my pictures in your thread but my stuff came out so so. The gauge pod needs more resin and the door panel piece, well, I'm gonna have to try that over again.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I'm kinda thinking about ordering some now..It's expensive stuff to learn on..But ohh well I guess..

 

[knochgoon24]

Some good links here. I'm starting to play around with doing some CF stuff now.

Anyone want to share any tips on working with CF on more complex curvy parts?

If you have very curvy parts, try using a lighter weight CF fabric. The average is about 5.7oz/yd, but some companies offer lighter options.

I'm kinda thinking about ordering some now..It's expensive stuff to learn on..But ohh well I guess..

If you haven't done work with fiberglass before, try that first. It's much cheaper to practice with.

 

[my98gsx]

i totally agree with knochgoon24, working with fiberglass first can save you alot of money in practice. (atleast working with the gel and fabric). Thanks for the feedback.

 

[canada4g63]

Looks great.

 

[greengoblin]

Good work!

 

[Blurred Talon]

If you have very curvy parts, try using a lighter weight CF fabric. The average is about 5.7oz/yd, but some companies offer lighter options.



If you haven't done work with fiberglass before, try that first. It's much cheaper to practice with.

I think the stuff I have will work fine to do the interior pieces I want however I will likely use a lighter fabric for my head light shrouds as they've got some tricky curves. I'm uploading pictures so I can start my own post.

I agree on practicing with fiberglass first, it's a lot cheaper.

 

[gixrman]

You can also use black bi-axle weave FG. it looks just like CF if your using it just for looks and much cheaper. I have used it in sivler (aluminumized coated) and gold. Bi-axle (twill weave) weave vs. plain weave, each will layup differently.
Black Fiberglass : Fiberglass : Chopped Strand Mat : Aerospace : E-Glass : Surfacing : Boating : Black : Gun Roving

 

[Bud92gsx]

If you haven't done work with fiberglass before, try that first. It's much cheaper to practice with.

Good call..No I have not worked with either..

You can also use black bi-axle weave FG. it looks just like CF if your using it just for looks and much cheaper. I have used it in sivler (aluminumized coated) and gold. Bi-axle weave vs. plain weave, each will layup differently.
Black Fiberglass : Fiberglass : Chopped Strand Mat : Aerospace : E-Glass : Surfacing : Boating : Black : Gun Roving

That looks interesting at least...You think that would be cheap enough to start playing around with? First timer here, be gentle..

 

[gixrman]

I would say yes, its a good place to start, your going to make a mess a few times and waste alot of material before you get it down. Also its chemicals that put off nasty stuff so have good ventialation and the proper resporator. This is dyed FG fabric and not CF which is naturally black. The resin will start to pull the color if you move it around to much once the resin starts to kick. Poly resins vs. epoxy will also effect it differently.

Also go on ebay for FG, CF fabrics there are some deals on there but its like everything else you buy from there on quality.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I have started to look into the cf "fabric" But as you can guess I'm confused..

It's does say thickness..And weight per yard..

What I'm confused about is some say 2x2 4x4, 3k, 6k, and 12k..What does that stuff mean??

I also found cf tape...But at a dollar a foot, I'll pass..Although,It would be sweet to make the outside of my tv CF..

 

[Rich_Howell]

I have started to look into the cf "fabric" But as you can guess I'm confused..

It's does say thickness..And weight per yard..

What I'm confused about is some say 2x2 4x4, 3k, 6k, and 12k..What does that stuff mean??

I also found cf tape...But at a dollar a foot, I'll pass..Although,It would be sweet to make the outside of my tv CF..

I used to work for a CF/composites manufacturer so I can answer some of this.

3k, 6k, 12k, etc. simply refers to how many strands of fiber are in each thread, in thousands, hence the "k". 3000, 6000, 12,000, etc.

Plainweave is 1x1, Twill is 2x2 and means that 2 threads run together, so the thread dips under another every 2 threads, if that makes sense. 4x4 means that 4 threads are passed under/over every 4 threads. The higher the weave number, the looser the weave happens to be, and the more mold-able and weaker it is. Plainweave will be the strongest in single-layer form, since it is woven tighter. Most finished CF pieces are done in 2x2 or 4x4. To gain good strength from these, it usually requires a few layers. You can make it even stronger by laying the different layers at different angles with respect to the previous layers. Doing it with heat and vacuum is best, since it allows the resin/epoxy to evenly and deeply soak into the CF due to lower viscosity at higher temp.

We used to make rolls of CF that were pre-impregnated with different resins...so our customers basically had to shape it and bake it and they were done. Sometimes I wish I still worked there, but as a company/culture it was a horrible place to be/work. Aside from that, one of the few places I'd wash my hands BEFORE using the restroom...not necessarily afterward. LOTS of crazy chemicals there...and every once in a while, we'd manage to produce self-sustaining exothermic reactions with some of the experimental resins we were working on. We had 55 gallon drums filled with water and antifreeze at-the-ready in the production area...just in case!

 

[DSM_love_GST]

still want to try the EDM mirrors?

 

[drewboi]

my buddie chad does alot of carbon fiber work like this.. hes doing a welding mask for me right now... i can get you some pics if you want.. he might offer you some pointers if you want as well

 

[Bud92gsx]

my buddie chad does alot of carbon fiber work like this.. hes doing a welding mask for me right now... i can get you some pics if you want.. he might offer you some pointers if you want as well

A cf welding mask..Hells yeah..Pics please..

 

[drewboi]

not finished yet.. he already has more resin layed.. ill try to get more pics