3D Demystifying Vacuum Bagging of foam wings!!

[Terryscustom]

I set my pump to shut off at 9. No problems with .7lb foam which is most common. It starts back on at about 7. As long as it does not go above 10 your fine. At 13-15 it will start to deform foam if left long enough. 20+ and you will have no airfoil left.

 

[mikeh]

Great thanks Terry! The directions weren't very clear, looks like there is a set screw to turn in order to set the Hg.

 

[Terryscustom]

Great thanks Terry! The directions weren't very clear, looks like there is a set screw to turn in order to set the Hg.

Yes, and it is HYPER SENSITIVE! When you get close, just a tiny tiny turn will effect it by 1-2 HG so it takes a little patience. Also keep an eye on it for the first few times you use it. I recommend gluing and not leaving it for the night unless you put a safety valve that I noted in place. I normally leave stuff in the bags for about 6 hours, then unplug it and go home. Take them out the next day, after about 6 hours the resin is "set" but not "cured" so things are not going to move anyway.

 

[mikeh]

Yes, and it is HYPER SENSITIVE! When you get close, just a tiny tiny turn will effect it by 1-2 HG so it takes a little patience. Also keep an eye on it for the first few times you use it. I recommend gluing and not leaving it for the night unless you put a safety valve that I noted in place. I normally leave stuff in the bags for about 6 hours, then unplug it and go home. Take them out the next day, after about 6 hours the resin is "set" but not "cured" so things are not going to move anyway.

Thanks again Terry, I'll have to take a look in this thread for that safety valve. Appreciate it!

 

[mikeh]

My first crack at vacuum bagging. A pair of Sniper EDF wings. Terry's video took all the guess work out it and is very simple to do. Can't wait to see the results. Anyone know of a quick disconnect from the hose to the bag?

 

[Snoopy1]

I have tryed two different types of quick disconnects and they did not work leaked quite a lot. When back to barb and hose. I believe the quick disconnects are meant to seal with pressure. All I can say the two I ased leaked. If you find one that does work let us know.

 

[mikeh]

I have tryed two different types of quick disconnects and they did not work leaked quite a lot. When back to barb and hose. I believe the quick disconnects are meant to seal with pressure. All I can say the two I ased leaked. If you find one that does work let us know.

I sure will!

 

[scruffmeister]

@Terryscustom many thanks for a great thread. I'm just putting together my vacuum setup ready to bag the wings of my new Carden PRO (results, however they turn out will be found in this thread).

Apologies if I missed it in the thread but what is your view on the West 205 (fast) hardener vs West 206 (slow) hardener as I see both in your picture early in the thread? I'm interested in how much working time do you find each gives you, how long does the part need to stay under vacuum with each type at an ambient workshop temp (say around 75F) and if there are any other reasons to use one over the other?

 

[Terryscustom]

@Terryscustom many thanks for a great thread. I'm just putting together my vacuum setup ready to bag the wings of my new Carden PRO (results, however they turn out will be found in this thread).

Apologies if I missed it in the thread but what is your view on the West 205 (fast) hardener vs West 206 (slow) hardener as I see both in your picture early in the thread? I'm interested in how much working time do you find each gives you, how long does the part need to stay under vacuum with each type at an ambient workshop temp (say around 75F) and if there are any other reasons to use one over the other?

I use the west systems products for laying up cowls and other parts as well, so I use both. I use the 205 much more though, and it's my preferred for sheeting wings, but if you've not done it before I recommend the slow.

Vacuum time for both is the same, I usually let them vacuum for 6 hours, then un-plug and leave them overnight. In using them to lay up fiberglass parts I find that in 24 hours the fast hardener has set up and is pretty rigid but still gets harder in a couple days after. The slow harder after 24 hours is still somewhat flexible but does get harder in the following days.

When I use the fast hardener I usually am sanding the parts the next day and they already have an eggshell feel to the sheeting. With BOTH hardeners you will want to mix the resin and the pour it into a shallow container like a pie pan to slow down the reaction. Even the slow hardener in a small container will kick in about 10 minutes, fast is about 6-8 minutes. When poured out you have at least 30 minutes to roll out parts, which is helpful when doing wings and multiple parts.

 

[AKNick]

Just reading through this thread. I like it! I've always wanted to get into vacuum bagging again.