mold making info

[chrisdoc0608]

Where is a good place to get quality info about making molds for carbon or fiberglass parts? Im interested in learning the process and hints so that i can attempt to make my own parts and eventually do something like a hood.

 

[sxi4evr]

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/HowTo-Publications/Vacuum-Bagging-Techniques.pdf

u can see where it talks about molds in the table of contents. good readin i think.

 

[SuperJETT]

There are some really nice instructional vids on youtube also, I think WFO speedracer posted them in a thread.

 

[chrisdoc0608]

There are some really nice instructional vids on youtube also, I think WFO speedracer posted them in a thread.

Ive been searching and watchin vids for abt an hour, thats what made me want to ask for more info. Im really interested in how the make molds for hulls then pull a top deck or bottom deck from the mold. I can see how the exterior shape is molded but how do you achieve the internal grooves and offsets (motor mounts ect) on the inside of the hull? Im just having a hard time grasping the method.

 

[SuperJETT]

Ive been searching and watchin vids for abt an hour, thats what made me want to ask for more info. Im really interested in how the make molds for hulls then pull a top deck or bottom deck from the mold. I can see how the exterior shape is molded but how do you achieve the internal grooves and offsets (motor mounts ect) on the inside of the hull? Im just having a hard time grasping the method.

Most people put the motor mount blocks in after laying up the hull.

 

[shawn_NJ]

Ive been searching and watchin vids for abt an hour, thats what made me want to ask for more info. Im really interested in how the make molds for hulls then pull a top deck or bottom deck from the mold. I can see how the exterior shape is molded but how do you achieve the internal grooves and offsets (motor mounts ect) on the inside of the hull? Im just having a hard time grasping the method.

You are only taking an impression of the exterior shape (top and bottom). None of the "stuff" you see in the motor bay is included in this. You end up with the bottom inside of the motor bay that is shaped the same as the outside of the hull. If you look at waterdawg's hulls, he uses an addional mold to make a panel for the bottom of the motor mount area, that is installed prior to bolting the topdeck on. Comes out very nice...but thats too much work for me. I plan on just epoxy/glassing in aluminum mounting points onto the bottom deck I make. My existing lightweight is setup the same way. I'll try to get a picture for you.

 

[shawn_NJ]

This might make more sense.

 

[chrisdoc0608]

Did you vacuum bag that? Where would be a good place to get a relatively inexpensive kit that would be capable of creating enough vacuum to do something like that? At some point I would love to experiment with making a light weight hull, even if it was a sn since they are the only hulls I have right now.

 

[shawn_NJ]

I did not make that one, just first pic I saw to descibe it. Starting my topdeck mold on Saturday....the topdeck plug for the X2 mold is done.


A decent vac pump is in the mid 200+ range. I have about $500 into mine (adjustable autocycling kit).

In all honesty the cost to getting everything you need to make a hull mold correctly is insane. I would bet I have over $500 in just the SHIPPING of materials, tools, ect for the build alone. Not to mention the 100+ hours of work. If someone who I trusted was building under 80lb oldschool X2's for under 6k, I would never have attempted the project I am working on...LOL

Here is the plug I starting the mold on this weekend.

 

[Mark44]

t

Did you vacuum bag that? Where would be a good place to get a relatively inexpensive kit that would be capable of creating enough vacuum to do something like that? At some point I would love to experiment with making a light weight hull, even if it was a sn since they are the only hulls I have right now.

PM Katie she may have exactly what you are looking for.

Mark44

 

[chrisdoc0608]

Shawn, how many times have you done this? I know everything is trial and error, but assuming I do my research and use the correct materials and methods, what are the odds that my first one would be useable and not just a giant paper weight?

 

[snowxr]

If you use good materials and prep everything well you can get good results. Try hand laying a part first, and if you want to go further invest the money in vac bagging equipment.

 

[shawn_NJ]

Shawn, how many times have you done this? I know everything is trial and error, but assuming I do my research and use the correct materials and methods, what are the odds that my first one would be useable and not just a giant paper weight?

This one is my first hull....hopefully I dont make a big paperweight....LOL!! But the good news is that once you have the molds. If your finished part isnt great, you can just make another. I dont expect my first hull to be perfect. Make a few rideplates or a hood first. Start small.

If you use good materials and prep everything well you can get good results. Try hand laying a part first, and if you want to go further invest the money in vac bagging equipment.

That is the best advice....Prep is EVERYTHING.