And another quaestion!

When laying carbon fibre to small areas how does one get a good shape without the edges fraying? I have a small area on the mast step/deck that I want to put a piece rectangular shaped carbon fibre how can I get the edges peeeeerfect?

TIA

Richard

One and best option is to parcel tape the deck area and overspill area (suggest 50 mm. in all directions) to get the shape and allow for overspill. However, make sure you put on at least 2 layers with different joint points. Then make sure you build a dam around the area to stop the run-off spreading onto the deck. Then lay the carbon up on top of the parcel tape (oversize for triming back to a nice finish). Once cured, trim the carbon back to the size you wish the finished product to be. Then key the gluing faces with 120 grit paper. Once this is done acetone the keyed areas to remove greasing and moisture (you will not see it but it will be there). Then reparcel tape the deck up to the edge of the gluing area and again build a dam for excess resin. Parcel tape part of the carbon top edge so that you can place a weight on it and it will not stick to the carbon. Now glue both gluing edges and stick dwon and leave till cured. Spread some epoxy in the pot and this wil let you know when it is cured. Then once cured, peel off tape and clean up. Should be ready to add a coating of lacker or 2 pot varnish to protect against UV prior to fitting mast step back. Make sure the working area is level for even spread of epoxy. Work time should be about 2 hours over the weekend. Best of Luck Richard.

Many thanks.

Richard Acetone from either the local chandler or Boots.

If this is only for cosmetics, then buy a pre-made bit of carbon plate (see carbonology's web site or ebay) (0.2mm thick), trim to shape with a sharp pair of scissors, then epoxy down under weight. I did this on the shroud / lower area on Enchantment and jolly fine it looks too. Bear in mind that you will have to use some thickened epoxy (with microfibres) and the carbon will react differently to the heat of the beating sun to the deck. Obviously not too much of an issue in the UK!!!

If actually laying carbon on the deck, then carbon should have a relatively "dry" lay-up. Lots of squeegying to remove the excess resin required.

Hi Andy

No it's on to re-enforce one or two areas, not cosmetics.

I have in the past just laid some transparent tape on the carbon and then cut to shape. I made a rudder stock for my OK about a year ago and sheathed it in carbon but I was able to lay a piece over the stock and once cured cut around the shape of the stock, making good after but when you have not got edges such as the mast step on the deck you have no edges other than at the front. I am struggling to get that perfect rectangular shape without the fibres all spewing out of the sides!

Cheers

R

Carbon? On a vintage boat? Surely not, Richard?

Hello matey. Only a really,really tiny, tinsy bit, possibly even nothing . She I is still going to look a true vintage girl though, wooden boom etc,etc. Anyway fancy having a sail with me next season in her? Frensham maybe (CVRDA) or a couple of days at Whitstabubble Nats? 

Cheers

R

Must remind the handicap committee it's carbon-ised :-)
But is it within class rules???

Bugger! Hadn't thought about that one! Surely a knats d**k amount of reinforcing won't make a difference!:-( 

As long as there is no carbon used in the hull then yes it is.