Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

I have a 40 size Profile extra I really want to make CF landing gear for.

I have a general idea I came up with, But my question is: HOW to do it right?

Thanks in advance! Coulter

jmulder

My Feedback: (6)

This ought to be interesting. If you don't mind please let me know what you come up with..Thanks.........John

DGrant

My Feedback: (4)

http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...threadid=62667

Have a look at this thread here, there's a guy that's made his already, and there's a link to the site with some sort of instruction. His screen name is frcac. The thread is on another type of Extra(GreatPlanes), and he has some nice pics of what his gear he made.
It's not real difficult. I've been experimenting with c/f lately, and it's interesting stuff.

Art's hobby has a very complete line of it, and you can get a 3yardx6" piece of the woven for about $32. There's quite a bit when buying in this size. I bought this size, as it's the biggest I saw they carry in woven. It's alot lighter then glass it seems, and is said to be much stronger..

Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

Great! Thanks for the link!

Sounds easy to do, but Next question: Where do I get blue foam?

Thanks, Coulter

Logan

I made some for a scratch project and they came out good, really good!! Go to this guys web site, http://www.windyurtnowski.com , and order his video "how to make carbon fiber landing gear". The best 15.00 you ever spent.

L-

Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

The link doesnt work, where can I find it, that sounds cool! Thanks

Logan

I don't know why the link didn't work but if you type it in it works. www.windyurtnowski.com . This guy has a lot of how to videos but they are not listed on his site...you just have to call him.


Ahhh...it was the dot after the dot com.

sideshow

My Feedback: (11)

Check out Art's link.

http://www.arts-hobby.com/articles.htm

You can call RCM and get a back issue for the construction article. Art's has all of the stuff you need.

Bob

Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

Cool, The LHS has tons of CF and Kevlar composites from Arts, I can get some there when I go for building it.
Can I get away with just weighing it down to cure, or is it necessary to vacuum bag it? Still dont know where to get Blue foam...???

Thanks for all the help, keep it coming

DGrant

My Feedback: (4)

I'm thinking blue foam might be at Lowe's or HomeDepot. Call around a bit first. I'll have a look here this weekend. I might try my hand at some gear soon.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

RCM posted the article on their website. If you are a current paying subscriber, you can log on and read/download the article.

It does look like a lot of work.

Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

I'm a little discouraged. When I started I thought this would be a relativlely simple proccess. Now I'm hearing about vacuum bagging, carbon/kevlar, using Kevlar in there too, using special Pro-lam epoxies, and so on....

I dont subscribe to RCM as of now, can someone send me the page that explains it?

Should I vacuum bag the gear? Why put Kevlar in there too?

I could really listen to someone who has done this before...
I also plane on making CF plates and engine mounts when I figure all this out.,

Thanks

Logan

You will not save any money or time making 1 CF gear. I did it just for the experience of working with the materials. I'm sure I spent over 30 hours to make the mold I have now and 100 bucks for enough material to make 5-7 sets. Granted, each layup only takes about 1 hour now that the mold is done. The only structual material you need is carbon fiber tow. I did put a layer of CF cloth on mine JUST for looks. Good epoxies (west systems) are essential if you truely want a military quality part. Other epoxies will work OK and look the same but you are really only saving 10-15 bucks. I know things snowball a little here because you need metering pumps, mold release, mold wax, bleeder cloth or teflon sheets bla..bla...bla.

Kevlar serves no pourpose other than appearance, perhaps. They make a cool looking cevlar/carbon cloth weave now. I believe vacuum bagging would be an ideal, and a bit expensive, technique but certanly not required. Good parts can be made with just carbon tow, resin, and a mold of your design. The real effort in making what you want is in the research, like you are doing now, and making the mold.

Before you spend a dime on something that may be more involved than you have time for BUY THE $15.00 VIDEO !!! It is 2 hours long and shows you in detail evewrything you need to know. I figured that the 15 bucks was worth hours and material of trial and error I would eventually go through. My first part was nearly perfect.

L-

Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

I may get the video, I cant find it on his site, I'll call and find out.

I found a great site for Composites and pumps, etc. I can get a beginner pump setup with bags, etc, for $120 shipped.

Once I get into this, I'm here for good. I'll be making composites for all planes I come in contact with! Thanks, Coulter

Logan

I would resist the temptation to buy supplies until you watch the video. You might buy stuff you'll never need. It is a rather enticing skill to have, I know I'll be making more carbon parts. It is really nice having the epoxy and metering pumps around for other things.

L-

Traxxas_Tech

My Feedback: (22)

I totally agree.
I wont buy anything till I know more.

And yes, Its very enticing! I have carbon fiber fever!