Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Kayak paddle with foam core

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic8942.aspx

By ralph - 12/27/2013 10:15:46 PM

Hi Everyone:

I am a newbee so I suspect this will take many tries. I wish to make a kayak paddle out of carbon fiber that has a foam core - so heres my confusion

I have existing paddle and will make a split fiberglass mold.

OK so I have the mold - I can layup carbon on each side  and leave a "vent " hole at each end for the foam to come out 

NOw i pour the foam on one side close up the mold - I cant vaccum it because all the foam may go into vacuum

I could just clamp i guess but then how does each side of the carbon stick to each other and give me a finished surface

ralphey
By Warren (Staff) - 12/30/2013 11:38:18 AM

When you design your pattern and mould for each side, you can design in a flange for bonding the two parts together. Recess the flange by the thickness of the carbon plus a bit for glue.  That way you have an area of overlap you can bond to secure the two halves together.