Hi guys

I need some know how from anyone who has experience in using intensifiers. By that I mean a shape that is put into the carbon stack before you close it up with the vacuum bag. This shape forces the fabric into impossible tight corners by the pressure exerted by the vacuum bag on it.

I would like to know.

1. How is the shape made? (my guess - sheet wax to take up the space the fabric occupies, then pour in silicone over this to make your intensifier)

2. What materials can be used for an intensifier?  (my guess - silicone, wood, metal, rubber....) 

3. Can intensifiers be used for infusion, prepreg and wet layup?

4. Will they introduce a greater possiblity for pinholes?

5. Can the intensifier be used outside of the bag and clamped to apply pressure.

If you go to youtube and select "Making a carbon fibre cello" you will see they used a intensifier in the kneck.

I can find painfully little on the net about this.

What about you Matt? Whats your experience on this?

Thanks as always.

Fred