I'm looking for a class to make molds, learn both carbon fiber and fiberglass. I have parts to make, but would prefer to take a class to learn versus trial and error.
Is there a sports car university in the US someplace that teaches such techniques?
Andrew
Find a boat repair place near you and get a part-time job there/ volunteer to help.
Or look-up people close to you that make kit car bodies, etc. and tell them you'll help in exchange for learn'in.
I used to work with composites in one of my engineering co-op positions. The people I worked with had formerly owned/operated a boat repair shop and where at the time making lots of fiberglass stuff on the side (kit car bodies, model train tunnels, remote control sail boats, etc.)
I'm looking for actual instruction though, a 2 day course would be perfect. I've seen fabrication courses along the line, but have yet to see any fiberglass one, other then the car audio industry.
i'm sure there are youtube videos, and the actual materials are cheap enough. even carbon fiber materials aren't as expensive as you'd think.. just start screwing around and you will figure it out.
I've seen alot of the videos, are their no actual schools out there to learn any of this stuff? I searched and found one in canada, but its 8 hours away from me, I'd prefer to find something a little closer, but then again, it isn't taht far of a drive i guess.
I have played with glassfibre, if I can figure it out, anybody can. Just be sure to make sure the matt is all completely soaked or "wetted" and do a careful job of laying it up.
Unfortunately you cannot take your time.
As for molds.. I believe the composite place near me sells mold "wax" that you lay in the mold and then do your gel coat on
I found this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Competition-Car-Composites-Practical-competition/dp/1859606245/ref=sr_1_1/192-9043568-7841322?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280666338&sr=1-1-spell
to be informative. Very hands-on, here's how you do it.
I may have to get that myself, thanks Hess
I don't know what it is your planning on making, but I am sure that no matter what it is, there is someone who has done a "how to" on the internets.
I like this one - http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=6339.0
And working with carbon fiber vs fiberglass - there is no difference if you are doing a wet lay-up as the resin is where the majority of the weight comes from.
Vacuum bagging and prepreg carbon require some planning and expensive equipment, but there are some DIY threads out there that show how turn a shop vac into a vacuum set-up.
http://www.theturboforums.com/PBcarbonfiber.php
Best writeup I have really ever seen. Most of the books out there fail to tell what to make molds from to replicate a part or make freeformed.
Brian
so your saying there are no classes for it in the entire united states?
I have, but they are senior/graduate level ME stuff. Nothing like that at the JC/CC level.
Brian
usually, the best "class" is held in your own garage, and practice is your teacher.
novaderrik wrote: usually, the best "class" is held in your own garage, and practice is your teacher.
next thing your gonna say that its best to practice tuning on my own motor. I'd still rather have a actual classroom setting, even the youtube videos are ok, but none of the one's i've seen are really that good.
Contact Legnos Boat Inc., in Ledyard, Ct. They did offer couple day courses on fiberglass repair, gel coating, costs, and others. It's been a while, but, worth the phone call. Small class when I went.
Also, www.proboat.com
Fiberglast.com has a learning center on their site. Helpful folks.
digdug18 wrote:novaderrik wrote: usually, the best "class" is held in your own garage, and practice is your teacher.next thing your gonna say that its best to practice tuning on my own motor. I'd still rather have a actual classroom setting, even the youtube videos are ok, but none of the one's i've seen are really that good.
of course it's better to practice tuning your own motor. tuning an engine isn't rocket surgery, and neither is fiberglass work.
learn by doing.
mad_machine wrote: I have played with glassfibre, if I can figure it out, anybody can. Just be sure to make sure the matt is all completely soaked or "wetted" and do a careful job of laying it up. Unfortunately you cannot take your time.
And wear long sleeves when you're cutting it!
As for molds.. I believe the composite place near me sells mold "wax" that you lay in the mold and then do your gel coat on
Tons of vaseline also works (though it may get you looks from the checkout lady)... Depending on the complexity, cooking spray may also work.
Start here:
They have a ton of info online. Also, call the tech line -- the guys on staff are very knowledgable and "eat their own dogfood", so to speak.
The best thing you can do is get some materials and start experimenting on your own. Relatively speaking, it will be cheaper to do some work in your own shop than taking a class elsewhere. A few others have already said it -- "if I can do it, anyone can!" Working with 'glass, whether it is with epoxy or polyester resins, is relatively easy. The work is in the prep, making forms, etc.
Freebie -- depending on what you're making, instead of mold release, use duct tape! I've built a bunch of parts and have relied on foam core, poster board, and styrofoam....all covered in duct tape! The 'glass part peels/pries away easily from duct tape.
i'm looking to use my car for the plug, then make a plug from the mold if you know what i mean. That's first and foremost from that I'm really just going to make a front and rear spoiler that looks correct for the age of the car. But I've got plenty of free time and would like a class or two to learn what I'm doing. I don't have tons of money that I can sink into practicing on it really, but dropping $500 for a class to teach me the basic is worth it to me. Its also a tax write off, and something to add to the resume.
Andrew
The things you find on cl when you look up fiberglass. I was just looking for fiberglass mat or cloth, honest!
What those were made for in the first place is anybodies clue, i mean who really needs a 20' tall soda bottle... with pics.
Have you contacted your local learnstitutes? A community college might be an excellent place to start looking. Seems to me the boat suggestion was a good one too - ask your local boat people where to learn. The googles coughed up this link pretty quickly: http://www.westlawn.edu/course_info/continuing_education.asp?displayfile=04_fiberglassDetail.htm
My local community college has nothing hands on. They're pointless in that regard, and the aircraft/boating industries do teach the basics I just have been unable to find any local to me. I was hoping there was someplace that taught courses specific to automobiles.
Back in the 80s I worked part time at a company that made tub surrounds. It was very educational, and we eventually made a Meyers Manx knockofff.
It's not hard, but it sure stinks. Hold your nose.
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