Tips and tricks from airplane builders...

[Snow_ME]

I ran across several videos with build tips and tricks from a home build airplane website. Some of them won't apply to us crazy snowmobile guys but some are good ideas.

Here's one specifically showing a technique for doing a composite layup (either for fiberglass or carbon fiber,etc).

lshobie I immediately thought of you when I saw this as you have put up several how to vids related to this. I would love to see you try this out and see how it compares to your current build style.

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1881622714

[lshobie]

Very interesting, thanks for that. I am actually doing 4 CF lays on my side panels on the polaris tomorrow, should knock about 5-7 pounds off the sled easily. I honestly think the best method is vacuum bagging as it really makes sure the epoxy is saturated and the ratio is near perfect. My method allows alot of tiny airbubbles in the CF but that is ok for me because I am ot too worried about strength - unlike a/c builders or chassis builders. I just want light weight. I would like to vacuum bag one day.

[Snow_ME]

Well maybe this build would reduce some of the air bubbles that you are getting. At the very least it might improve the aesthetics of your CF parts, if not the strength too. Can't wait to see how the CF parts turn out.

[lshobie]

Ya well I stopped caring about aesthetics a long time ago as you can tell The side panels look pretty bad but short of making moulds of the side panels there was no way to get them perfect. The panels are very light though - like a feather if you will. If I had the time I'd vacuum bag and really take my time with things, but with 2 young boys, 2 dogs, and a wife who works 16 hours a day there isn't much time for detail unfortunately!

Hows your sled coming???? Pics???

[pureadrenaline]

Great find! I have always tried to explain to my friends and family there is no reason to buy something when you can build it(as long as it's cost effective), When you do it yourself you have full control over the outcome and can be proud of what you have accomplished.

[Snow_ME]

Originally Posted by lshobie

Ya well I stopped caring about aesthetics a long time ago as you can tell The side panels look pretty bad but short of making moulds of the side panels there was no way to get them perfect. The panels are very light though - like a feather if you will. If I had the time I'd vacuum bag and really take my time with things, but with 2 young boys, 2 dogs, and a wife who works 16 hours a day there isn't much time for detail unfortunately!

Hows your sled coming???? Pics???

My sled is going coming along slowly have been waiting for new tools over the Christmas holiday. I also have the time & budget constraints, with a 1 year old and the wife in school I don't get much time except on weekends to play in the garage.