rx7speed

just curious as to how much this stuff would cost as I have been wanting to try it sometime.


also this might be a dumb question but what is bunting?

Syrillian

Here are some listing from ebay. I did not cull through them, it is a raw search...


-lol... check out the carbon fiber/kevlar hybrid stuff... Gadzooks!

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justin146

Here goes- basically the 2x2 and 4x4 twill weaves can conform to shapes and curves better than standard weave; but plain weave can be stronger because it is more rigid lengthwise.

When I bag, I use a layer of thin poly film(release film) that has pinholes about every inch. It leaves a dot for all of the holes, but they easily buff out when the epoxy is cured. BTW, I use an epoxy that doesnt have a smell because I do my work inside. For cutting, I use Stanley leather shears. They easily cut many layers of fiber at once, even on cured pieces.

For bagging, I use a pump that was originally a pressure pump for microwave waveguide(but it works for vacuum too). It has a "jar" before the input that I fill with carbon pellets that acts as an air scrubber to prolong the life of the pump. The bag itself I make from from a single piece of super stretchy poly film sealed on 3 sides with butylene tape(the 4th side is sealed with the crease of the doubled over film). I bought a commercially available fitting to adapt the hose to the bag. It comes apart and one part goes in the bag, then the top piece screws onto the other piece on top of the bag, creating a seal.

So, I take a mold (or the original piece I am copying), and coat it in a release agent. Then I put the fiber onto the mold and cover in epoxy. Then I top it with the release film and an absorbant layer on top of that. Then I pull a vacuum and let it sit.

I know this is probably an extremely vague description, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. There are also some really good videos on Youtube explaining the process.

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Burn

Duly noted sir...Thank you I have much to learn about working with CF but it would seem you know quite a bit about working with it

Any tips on drilling and/or cutting holes on cured CF sheets?

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justin146

Use a sharp high speed drill bit to make holes; you can buy expensive diamond coated composite bits, but they arent necessary for most applications. For cutting, I use my leather shears or an ultra fine tooth bit on a jig saw. If you are trying to make a really square sheet, a router table works great.

The material cuts better with the shears before it cures completely. It will get to a stage where it is solid, but still "rubbery". But if you try to cut with a saw or router at this stage, it will gum up your blade.

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Burn

What do you guys suggest out of those listings? So I know what to look for when I finally decide I want to go crazy with CF

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justin146

If you are doing flat panels, the plain weave will be good; if you are doing 3 dimensional, go with the 2x2 twill. The heavier the fabric, the thicker each layer will be. I think 2x2 twill is a better looking fabric. Here is my video card with twill pattern..



and this is plain weave (on a Saleen Explorer mirror) ...

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BLKKROW

wow this is just fantastic this is another reason why i leave the modding up to the professionals.

If only i had a steady hand to do all this work (I have beigne essential tremors)

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bdattilo

Great thread, guys. I have always been a sucker for Carbon Fiber. It's....so.....sexy.

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fishman78

Thanks for this thread, I've been wondering about CF for some time now, and your CF video card it just too sweet. Much better than the repulsive ATI girl on mine. Also, + REP for your diligence on saftey!! I will check back often! Thanks again