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1spliff2guinniesIs it possible to afford all this equipment in today's economy?
FaunaSkisA basic construction ski; hobbyist vacuum pump set up & vacuum consumables
JFUInstead of using a pneumatic press, could you use a hydraulic press?
I suppose it is easier to get more consistent results using a pneumatic.
FaunaSkisFor a starter set up for somebody without much experience in these kind of projects, I would definitely suggest vacuum, you get less pressure but its cheapest and easiest to get going with a small composites pump, a vac bag set up and a rocker line (female) mould.
If you're committing to producing more and or have experience with/access to a suitable higher pressure set up, you'll get better results with pneumatic or hydraulic set ups, it will just take more work to get it going.
The advantage of an air based system, either vacuum or pneumatic, any leak won't cause a mess.
My route was to develop my ideas with a simple vacuum set up and then when I went to expand and produce, I found an existing factory to make them rather than develop my own production set up further. This was due to my lack of experience building or even using these kind of systems and not knowing anybody who did, and my desire to get going quicker.
JFUI know from boat manufacturing that a vacuum setup to pull the epoxy throughout the entire fibre layout is seen to be better. A light product with the same strength but you produce less weight.
JFUI know from boat manufacturing that a vacuum setup to pull the epoxy throughout the entire fibreglass layout is seen to be better. A light product with the same strength but you produce less weight.
I would of thought that it would be the more costly. You can find a 10ton press for like 300aud which is pretty cheap imo, but as you stated, the leaks can be very messy especially with the cheaper ones.
Will you continue with the vacuum setup for the future? Or have you thought about changing the way you press skis?
FaunaSkisAre you talking about a vacuum resin infusion set up? That's not what I'm suggesting for a starter set up.
What I'm suggesting is wet layup, pressed into shape with vacuum pressure.
So wet out the fabric and spread resin across the non-fabric layers, seal off the laminate with a vac sheet to the mould lining, use a small vac pump to draw out the air, putting pressure on the laminate with the vac bag, pushing into the rocker line shape, heating the laminate with heat blankets and leaving it to cure. Rather than pull through the epoxy.
I'm sure you can find hydraulic presses for cheap, its finding one big enough, getting it to you and having the space for it that could be difficult, whereas you can get the vacuum pump set up off the shelf and all you need is a few metres of clear worktop. Makes it more accessible to those starting out.
I'm going to develop my in house set up, likely to pneumatic, to improve the quality & consistency of my prototypes but, with it relatively cheap to alter tooling and produce samples with the factory, there's not a lot of need.
JFUAhhh, yeah I was talking about a resin infusion setup. I gotchu now.
Yeah I can see how a vacuum setup is easier and more cost effective when starting out.
I reckon you are right with heading towards pneumatic setup for the future.
Are you building skis from a hobby perspective or a business perspective?
1spliff2guinniesI'm really interested in the pre-production stuff that people do? What kind of planning is involved; how do you translate the ideas into a prototype? I think that's truly where the magic happens. Or do you just throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks?
@FaunaSkis
PartyBullshiithttps://faunaskis.com
JFUI know he sells skis but is it more of a side gig for fun, or not. You get me?
1spliff2guinniesI'm really interested in the pre-production stuff that people do? What kind of planning is involved; how do you translate the ideas into a prototype? I think that's truly where the magic happens. Or do you just throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks?
@FaunaSkis
JFUI know he sells skis but is it more of a side gig for fun, or not. You get me?
PartyBullshiitWell they’re a legit company so I don’t think it’s a side gig being made out of his house if that’s what you mean
