CF Modification Wishlist?

[Joe_Black]

Mark, glad to hear the direction y'all are taking and you're definitely not stepping on any toes as my shop's not even built yet. Plus, the more that get into doing this kind of thing the better it is for all of us! Unfortunately I can't offer any insights, other than use the info that's out there and find if you've got any nearby aviation or marine composite outfits you can visit. I found some great pre-preg technical documentation on Amazon as well, although a bit pricey at around $150 a copy.

[Maugan_VX]

uhg

not all this again.

I need a dolphin-strikerless front crossbeam for my Inter20. 8'6" long, needs to withstand 3 tons of pressure and weight ~20 lbs. Less preferably.

I would make it, but the woman got pissed last time I whipped out the vacuum bagging gear in the living room.

[Joe_Black]

I would make it, but the woman got pissed last time I whipped out the vacuum bagging gear in the living room.

LOL! Get some attachments for her and maybe you'll get encouragement.

[Triathlete]

You've got quite a few VX's in the Phoenix area. They are all members here. If none of them step up your more than welcome to come check mine out if your ever down in the Tucson area.

[MarkChai]

Thanks for the support, everyone!

Maugan- I talked to the boss, and we think that we can help you-- We just need more spec's. We'll even send some vacuum bag attacments for the missus free of charge...

Billy-I may take you up on a visit-- no Phx folks have popped up yet.

[Maugan_VX]

Mark,

I was halfway joking honestly. You see, I have a fundamental problem with carbon fiber. While I agree that its a wonderful material to build with, a lot of people that produce structural parts don't understand how to implement it properly, leading to many disasterous failures. It is particularly fitting in the sailing industry where my experience has shown that carbon is used to fabricate under-built components that fail slowly over time.

But if you want to take a stab at it:

Theres the front crossbeam.

Notice the deflection of the mast. It is carbon fiber and weights about 30 lbs all rigged. It should NOT be bending like that

[MarkChai]

Gotcha. I agree- CF is misused and improperly applied half the time. Not to mention the other times when people don't know what they are doing.

Does the mast mount to that front crossbeam? Or do both front and back beams bear the load? We can do some load analysis calculations in the computer...

Whether VX, Inter 20 or otherwise, we will not put out a part that is unsafe. Any major sturctural pieces would mean we work with an engineer. :homer: