By Roo2 - 7/26/2020 3:44:58 AM
Seeking suggested methods to make a carbon tube for a small sailboat mast. About 80mm diameter x 6.5m long..
I’ve done a bit of reading and I’m contemplating laying up the reinforcements dry on an aluminium tube mandrel and infusing. I’ve done a few small infusions but nothing this big. My main concern is being able to get the aluminium tube out after cure. I’ve read about A few methods. Brushing wax on the mandrel, melting later. Cooling the aluminium with ice to shrink it. Using compressed air to push the part off like a big piston. All sound doable but I’d like your opinion as to which method might be lowest risk or whether you have seen a better idea.
Also appreciate any advice on keeping it nice and straight while infusing, curing. I’ve considered using some precisely aligned vee blocks on the floor. I’ve also considered hanging it from something tall but it may be difficult to inspect the high half.
Thanks,
Andrew
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