Vac Bagging On The Cheap: I've Got Some Questions

Dustin Mustangs

Dustin Mustangs

uʍop ǝpıs dn
Location
Holland, MI
Looking to try my first vac bag project. I've got a pump lined up, just trying to figure out what materials I will need. I am finding conflicting info on whether or not to use a peel ply AND a release film. Are they both really necessary? Seems like they serve the same purpose.

And as usual I am trying to get this done on the cheap. What is the most affordable place to buy legit vac bagging supplies? Or is it reasonable to save some money by substituting common things for some of the stuff needed?? I am having a hard time determining why garbage bags, pink residential insulation, and duck tape wouldn't work for the bag, the breather, and the sealant tape. How about a cheap way to seal the tube to the bag?? Do I really need to buy one of those purpose made connectors or can I just use sealant tape???

Get-r-done!!! lol

:icon16:
 
shawn_NJ

shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
Dustin Mustangs said:
Looking to try my first vac bag project. I've got a pump lined up, just trying to figure out what materials I will need. I am finding conflicting info on whether or not to use a peel ply AND a release film. Are they both really necessary? Seems like they serve the same purpose.

And as usual I am trying to get this done on the cheap. What is the most affordable place to buy legit vac bagging supplies? Or is it reasonable to save some money by substituting common things for some of the stuff needed?? I am having a hard time determining why garbage bags, pink residential insulation, and duck tape wouldn't work for the bag, the breather, and the sealant tape. How about a cheap way to seal the tube to the bag?? Do I really need to buy one of those purpose made connectors or can I just use sealant tape???

Get-r-done!!! lol

:icon16:
Click to expand...

Peel ply PRE-Preps the surface for secondary bonding (texture/removes blush). Its a great material but NOT needed. Release film (perforated) allows the resin to pass though, into your breather/bleeder cloth. And stops the bleeder cloth from sticking to your part. Dont skimp out on these, as this is how you squeeze out the excess resin. Cant help you with the ghetto riging. One thing I will say is do not cheap out on your mastic tape. Air leaks will drive you nuts and ruin your parts.
 
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shawn_NJ

shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
Here is when my pump arrived before my good sealant tape, and I really wanted to play with it. Worked, but the leaks were horrible.

rp2.JPG


rp3.JPG
 
jvann13

jvann13

Location
Jacksonville, FL
You can get most of what you need and at craft store (Joann fabric type place). Nylon fabric for the peel ply (witch is nylon). The stuff they put in quilts (Polyester) for the polyester breather that soaks up the rest of the resin. Garbage bags will work but not well. You can find better plastic at hardware stores. Needs to be thick enough not to get holes in it but not so thick it will not stretch to the shape of the part. Duck tape will work to seal the part but it takes practice.

All this stuff will work but some stuff not as good at the professional stuff. You have to remember that vacuum bagging takes a little practice. I suggest practicing getting a part to seal up before you start using resin.

You can order a sample of all the stuff you need and take it with you to the craft store if you have never worked with it.
http://www.fibreglast.com/product/V...Pack_4002/Vacuum_Bagging_Films_Peel_Ply_Tapes


This is worth buying. It makes life so easy attaching the hoses. I would not call this on the cheap thou.
http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalo...ml?PHPSESSID=01ba0079dba80088b0de2d22da3284b3
 
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WFO Speedracer

WFO Speedracer

A lifetime ban is like a lifetime warranty !
Location
Alabama
As said the peel ply just textures the surface,if you are doing the layup all at once you don't need it,if you are laying it up a few layers at a time it is nice to have as it provides a nice sufrace for bonding the next layer to, there are bags out there that are made too be reusable, if you are doing a lot of stuff that may be a good option for you.
 
Flash-FX

Flash-FX

No Square..No Round..FX-1
Location
South Jersey Shore
I got some peel ply (silicone treated nylon fabric) and bag material from Fiberglass supply http://host210.ebm.bestsoftwarehost.com/iwwida.pvx?;products?comp=FS1. After some earlier vacuum bag disasters, I will not attempt bagging without peel ply (the first layer down over your laminate). Everything sticks to the resin and makes your project a waste of time. The bag material (stretchlon 200) saves your butt in those deeper corners. For the vacuum hose adapter, I use a "suction" cup connected to the hose end, West Systems also sells a cheap version that works pretty good. Illustration #C http://www.mcmaster.com/#suction-cups/=5z9g7l is a good style that is silicone. And last don't cheeze out on the sealant tape (strip caulk), because like Shawn said above, leaks SUCK!

Good luck on your project, post lots of pix of your cool stuff!
 
ajmps1

ajmps1

Location
Pa
^^^i second that notion. I am however very interested in the ghetto rig as i only want to make one or two things
 
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