I made stuff already.
One of the things I received from Wildman was a 12x12 sheet of 1/16 G10. This will be used for the core of my fins.
First order of business was to print and cut a fin "blank" from thick cardstock. I like having a fin blank I can use from the start of my build to the end, so I can make sure everything is nice and consistent.
With the template cut out. I traced the fin pattern onto my G10. When I add carbon fiber to my G10 stock, I want to use as little G10 as possible. With the 3 fins traced, I found the area I was able to cut out. Reducing the size of the G10 gives me more PSI per pound when I apply pressure to the layup. Im estimating removing that rectangle will give me about 65% more PSI.
It was a nice night, so I decided I wanted to do the fin stock layup right away.
Using the smaller G10 rectangle, taped off sections of my carbon fiber that I was going to cut. Using masking tape prevents the edges of the carbon fiber from fraying. It's also easier to cut!
Here's the 2 +- 45° layers masked off and ready to be cut.
I forgot to take pics of the bond prep. I sanded both sides of the G10 with 220 grit sandpaper, just enough to expose the tops of the fibers. This was then washed thoroughly.
Took everything out to the workshop, I'm ready to begin my layup!
Im going to be using Mylar for the release film. I've had success with it in the past.
I spread epoxy on the bare G10. I usually give it a thick coat the first time.
First up is the +- 45° layer of 3K twill.
Next up is the 0, 90° layer of 3K twill.
After that is the 0, 90 layer of 12K spread tow.
Mylar goes over that.
To be Continued!
Alex
