Carbon Fiber....How do I do it??

I have just obtained CF cloth and resin but am at a loss how to make my tube. I need to build a tube for my 12.5" F/5 Newtonian astrograph...Any pointers/references would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Well, the easiest way to make a carbon fiber tube would be to make a mold of the exact diameter that you need and apply it to the inside of the tube. You must use parting compound or parting wax and if you can vacuum bag it even better. Have you ever done any composite work? If this is your first go of it you may want to practice on smaller pieces like mounts and other small stuff. Carbon is very forgiving compared to kevlar and even an amateur can make it look pretty good. Here are a few links that may help you with molding and composite work in general. Some these are just suppliers but it is nice to see the actual pictures of things you may need. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

Rich

https://www.cstsales.com/How_to_Articles/

http://www.fibreglast.com/contentpages-Learning-Center-286.html

Fibreglast.com http://www.fibreglast.com/

ACP Composites http://www.acp-composites.com/

CST Composites https://www.cstsales.com/home.htm

Freeman Manufacturing (*Check out their online videos) http://www.freemansupply.com/

Aircraft Spruce (supplies) http://www.aircraftspruce.com/index.php

Superior Balsa http://www.superiorbalsa.com/


National Balsa http://www.nationalbalsa.com/

Tekoa (foam cutting) http://www.tekoa.com/catalog.html

Penn Tool Company http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/2245.cfm

McMaster-Carr (everything!) http://www.mcmaster.com/

Micro Fasteners http://www.microfasteners.com/

I would find a tube of the correct size and use it as a male mold. Lay up half at the time with parting plates at the 50% line. Do the first half, remove the plates then prep for the second layup. That will create a two part mold that will create the surface finish on the outside of the part. That how I did my carbon 10" with a 12" tube. Look for my prior post and you can see some pictures. If you want a set of 12" X 12" carbon tubes I already have a extra set.

link here might help...

http://p206.ezboard.com/fbentrideronlinefrm8.showMessage?topicID=98.topic