QuickTalk 3 - VACUUM FORMING

A lot of people have asked John Derr (my partner) and myself about vacuum bagging, which we are doing. So here are some simple directions:

Materials:

Polyethylene sheeting (about 3 mils thick)

Caulk and gun

Vacuum pump


Directions:

1. Layup parts as per directions.

2. Place parts on vacuum bag polyethylene.

3. Place bleeder line material around parts.

4. Fold bag over or place top sheet on.

5. Seal caulk around edges and vacuum hose.

6. Weight hose to hold in place.

7. Use shop vacuum as roughing pump to pull most of the air out.

8. Use vacuum pump to hold vacuum and check for leaks.

9. Break vacuum after epoxy is fully jelled.



Notes:

a. Use cheapest plastic tarp and caulk money can buy.

b. Shop vacuum can be used for full bagging process but it's noisy.

c. Do not use household vacuum cleaner (no cooling air for motor).

d. A small sheet of plastic can be placed on part and squeeged (to remove air bubbles) and then part turned over so other side can be epoxied. This also helps when multiple parts are in one bag.

e. Overlap all bleeder line material.

f. More epoxy can be squeeged out of glass once part is bagged (if excess epoxy available).

g. Do not reuse plastic for bagging but can be used as a drop cloth.

h. Let thick dry micro jell before glassing.


It's easier than it sounds and saves on finishing work.



You can order a PDF or printed copy of QuickTalk #3 by using the Q-talk Back Issue Order Page.