By AntoineSurf - 3/3/2020 2:35:02 PM
Hello guys,
I'm a wooden surfboard builder and I have the project to build some kitesurf boards like on the following pictures:
 
I'm not sure about which technique to use to glue those sheets of wood together with a curve and even some concaves (like a skateboard).
I have no experience at all in vacuum bagging but I thought of using a mold and vacuum bagging technique to glue them together. My questions are:
- Could you light me on the technique to use, or maybe send me a link to a tutorial for similar results.
- I'm thinking of buying the starters set with the vacuum pump? Would that be sufficient or do would I need extra material (I plan to glue either with PU glue or with epoxy)
Thank you so much for your help and greets from Portugal,
Antoine
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By explorecomposites - 3/9/2020 3:20:20 PM
If you're not making a huge number, vacuum bagging would be easier than making a press. Many ski and skateboard builders use shaped platens on large presses with either hydraulic or pneumatic (like inflated fire hose) clamps. If you can make a simple curved form that holds vacuum then it will work fine. You could make the shape from wood and glue a sheet of plastic or thin aluminum to make the air-tight surface.
Here are two of my articles that might help:
(...could copy and paste but that would be a long post!)
Vacuum Bagging:
https://explorecomposites.com/articles/lamination/basics-vacuum-bagging/
Buying a Vacuum Pump:
https://explorecomposites.com/articles/tools-and-equipment/buying-a-vacuum-pump/
You probably don't need a high vacuum for this so a dry rotary vane, diaphragm or other cheap oil-free pump would be fine. You won't regret having a nice one though if you plan to get into more composite work - just make sure you get a catch-pot too to protect it.
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