Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Critique my kit!

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic7832.aspx

By LyGuy - 9/18/2013 2:30:21 PM

Greetings, first timer here. I'm trying to put together a kit to get myself started in mold making and wet lay up. All materials will be bought exclusively from Plasticworld because they're local to me. Now before anyone says to ask them instead, I've already emailed with no response and I'd like to go to the store knowing exactly what I need. Please evaluate my kit.

Mold Making:
Tooling Gelcoat - $25
MELP Catalyst - $5
Mold Release Wax - $23

CF Wet-layup:
Carbon fiber - $45
West System 105 Epoxy Resin - $43
West System 207 Clear Hardener - $40
PVA Mold Release - $15

Misc:
Latex gloves - ~$5
Disposable Brushes - ~$5
Metal roller - ~$10

Total: $216 CND

2 questions here... am I missing a 'molding putty' to support the gelcoat? And do I need both mold release wax and pva?

Thanks!
By carboncactus - 9/18/2013 3:35:15 PM

Ditch the wax and the PVA, go for a semi permanent, it will probably be Frekote for you.

You need a reinforcement of some sort. Being in Canada, I dont know if you can get rapid tooling systems there (Optimold, Neomould etc). Otherwise, youll have to make do with standard poly resin and laminate slowly. I dont recommend moulding putty, but you can make your own. Its a mixture of resin, chopped strands, milled glass, talc, and fillite.