Topic: laying up carbon fiber

[Rocking-M]

I'd like to get into it with some small parts first.
Making molds from the small parts and then laying up the resin/carbon fiber weave in the molds.
Anyone done this or have a carbon fiber for dummies book I can buy?

[eldar]

Oh this I am interested in. Think sidecovers made of carbon fiber! or headlight shell or seat pan or fenders.... DAMN now I am really interested!

[tsflstb]

ttr400.com

Not sure if he makes them himself, but could probably give you some pointers.  I've resisted buying these parts for the last couple months, but I'm getting weaker.

[ieism]

I'm not sure you can do as good as ttr400, those look pretty complicated....

But there's a pretty comprehensive guide on WebBikeWorld.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/carbon-fiber-motorcycle-parts/

[matchanu]

Just a word of caution about CF.

It's much stronger than steel in twisting and stress, but much weaker than fiberglass for impact damage.

[Rocking-M]

Great site ieism, I had just started checking around on a vacuum bag set up too!

[hopterfixer]

I have done some carbon fiber aircraft repairs and have always wanted to make "things" out of it.  The device we used to do the double debulking was a little more sophisticated than the vacuum cleaner in that link.  It included a heated layer, and built in ramp up and ramp down heat timing.  There is a really good composite repair school out there http://www.abaris.com/IndividualCoursePage.asp?CRSID=1 I would love to attend some day.