Air Injected Wedge

TRF,

Anyone ever use an air injected wedge to remove custom fiberglass airframes from their mandrel? Any comment on results?

Feckless Counsel

I haven't used those, but I have used the plastic epoxy mixing sticks that West Systems sells.

-Kevin

I have watched one be use to get a boat out of a mold. It is best to start with the pressure low and work up as you get the hang of it as it can damage the part if too high.
Even better is to put air injection ports in the mold.

Mark

MClark,

Thanks for your response.

I have spent some time considering exactly that - adding holes to the mandrel's surface and then pressurizing the whole thing to pop off the tube. I think its and excellent idea but I’m afraid I may pop the mandrel itself. The wedge is appealing in that it compresses the mandrel "in" and the piece "out."

Whatever the decision I’m sure retrospect will find me:

Feckless