Making your own carbon fiber parts

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by derstuka, Apr 6, 2009.

  1. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    Well, my bro has ordered (and received already) a do-it-yourself carbon fiber molding kit. It was pretty cheap too. It is pretty cool from the pics that he showed me of him experimenting with a small piece of it. He is going to use it on his KTM to begin with. Making guards/covers for the lower portion of the tank. He is going to make a mold of that portion of the tank by using some silicone mold making RTV. Once he has the mold, he can follow the process that you see in the video below.

    Imagine the possibilities....especially once one has the process down and gets experienced at it. I am very interested in how it turns out for him, as I LOVE the look of real carbon fiber. :thumbsup:

    How to Make Carbon Fiber Parts on Youtube..

    He bought a kit LIKE THIS off of e-bay.

    It is not for everybody, but it sure looks cool to try....
     
    derstuka, Apr 6, 2009


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  2. abnviffer

    abnviffer New Member

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    That does look cool. If you can post some pics of his finished product would be nice. I might be interested in purchacing a kit for myself as i love the real carbon look and have some on my bike now. Would love more.
     
    abnviffer, Apr 6, 2009


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  3. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    I prefer the use of a temperature controlled vacuum press at my buddies work
    ...:rolleyes:

    But this is cool too.:thumbsup:
     
    soundmaster31, Apr 6, 2009


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  4. abnviffer

    abnviffer New Member

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    Well, not everyone has a buddy that has a temperature controlled vacuum press at his work so us less fortunate will just have to settle for the less cool do it at home kits. Joking but not really, but joking
     
    abnviffer, Apr 6, 2009


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  5. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    It's a rare perk that I haven't used. Just teasing as you know. But it's nice knowing I have access to it and their scrap carbon fiber. Problem is finding time to do it. Although with the defense budget being cut their production is low...they make fuel cells for the military so ultra light designs are a must hence the carbon fiber equipment up the wazooo....


    I'm definitely interested in how the home kits works out. The home process isn't much different from doing fiberglass if any of you have in experience in that. The little video has good tips about removing it and the quantity of resin used to the quantity of fiber used. That's a big beginner mistake.

    What I'm most curious about is how they make the molds....
     
    soundmaster31, Apr 6, 2009


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  6. Ghost_Rider

    Ghost_Rider Active Member

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    That sure does look very cool. If I could do it like in the video and it came out looking that sweet ,then I would try this in a heartbeat.

    +1 on any pictures from your brother.
     
    Ghost_Rider, Apr 7, 2009


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  7. abnviffer

    abnviffer New Member

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    Me too. I would think that the kit will do you no good unless you have mold or a way of making them. I'd love to have a carbon chain guard. Anyone with info on molds? Really interested in doing this...
     
    abnviffer, Apr 7, 2009


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