So.....first off, yes I am just getting my feet wet in the world of composites.

Working on making a mold for infusion for the attached item and need some help.  I'm trying to make a putty mold for the item attached and have gone as far to apply the gel coat.  I am apprehensive to add the putty before knowing it will actually work so I have a couple questions.

As you can see from the pics, I used clay to form about 1/2 an inch around the entire outside as a barrier.  Will I be okay to add the putty and have a workable mold?  Would you guys go about prepping this a different way?

From the looks of it, it appears as this can be done in a one piece.

Hi!

Unfortunately I think you will have to redo this one.. .

First of all .. Yo do need to get the putty onto the Gelcoat when it is still "tacky" or you will not get a proper bond between gelcoat and putty backing.
(Your Gelcoat WILL  crack and come off when trying to demould .. )

Second:  You would get into real trouble releasing this part from the mould, unless you get the "flanges" or edge barriers to NOT create the "right angle" edge all around the parts edges.  (I hope I'm making myself clear here ??)

You would be much better off taking a good look at the various EC tutorials on using the EC "epoxy Putty" mould system .. And also the one on the Bonnet, it has some very good instructions in how to create proper "flanges" on moulds ..

Also If you are planning to do this as infusion, you will need better and larger flanges to be able to position resin inlet and Vac- out connectors etc..


Good luck!

"Sapere Aude"... Dare to KNOW!

The written word is the only truly efficient vehicle for transmitting a complex concept from mind to mind...

103% of all people do not understand statistics...

Do not adjust our mind, theres a fault in reality :-)

Thanks for the help!  I'll get to work and post results/questions.