Freestyle carbon-fiber reinforcing

[Austin]

So I am at the point were I need to figure out what I want to do on the inside of my build. I thought it would be pretty cool to reinforce the inside of my ski with carbon fiber like many people have done. I have a few questions on the topic... LIke how much would it cost to do the inside of my x2? I have someone that has done it to many skis, offer to help me with it so I think It would be very doable with him helping me. Also where can I buy supplies for it and what would I all need?

 

[Waternut]

www.sollercomposites.com is a very good place to buy carbon and it's cheaper than just about anywhere else. I can't say how much you need since I don't know how much you plan to do. Best method I use is to get a ballpark figure with a ruler and tape measure and round up to the next yard. I can't see much more than a yard being needed for just the engine bay sides though.

 

[chad]

i always use 1208 Biax fiberglass for reinforcing the sides, you can tint the resin any color .
I also use epoxy not Poly resin , i usually buy from uscomposites.com

if you want carbon listen to what waternut recommends

 

[Austin]

Sweet thanks guys. I will have to search up on the sites.

 

[Idok]

working with glass is much easier for a first timer..dying it black is simple and can look just as good

 

[Freakrider]

What type of riding in Colorado are you doing that requires reinforcing ? just asking...

 

[Austin]

I personally don't do any extreme riding but I did cut the bond rail off the front of the x2 and I did some very thick glass work so I shouldn't have a problem at all but I think I might as well go all out on it because I only want to do it once. but your right I really dont need to do it but if I can afford to do it I might as well.

 

[Austin]

www.sollercomposites.com is a very good place to buy carbon and it's cheaper than just about anywhere else. I can't say how much you need since I don't know how much you plan to do. Best method I use is to get a ballpark figure with a ruler and tape measure and round up to the next yard. I can't see much more than a yard being needed for just the engine bay sides though.

What "k" size would I need?

 

[Waternut]

What "k" size would I need?

Since you cut the bond line off which reduces lateral stiffness significantly, I would recommend the 12k (19.7oz twill) and cover from the top to the bottom of the sides. It's strong stuff, drapes well, and doesn't cost anymore than the 11oz fabric. It'll weigh slightly more than the 11oz stuff but you're talking 1-2lbs if you use A LOT so not a big deal. Make sure you read up on reinforcing the sides of a hull first.

If you are confident with your thick fiberglass work after cutting the bond line, then you could just use something lighter for looks.

 

[Schmidty721]

I agree with Nut. I'm using both the 12k 19.7oz and the 6k 11 oz on my build. The 19.7 is some serious stuff. As long as you're not trying to cover multiple complex contours with the same piece it is pretty easy to work with. A piece of the 11oz 6k may be worth having if you have any tricky areas with tight contours.

 

[Austin]

So just put in my order and bought some epoxy resin and 2 yrds. x 50in of carbon fiber. Is 24k ok for reinforcing? After I placed the order i was reading over the thread again and I mistaked 24k for 12k so I have a yard of 24k coming and a yard of 6k coming. Will the 24k work or do I need to contact Soller?

 

[MANFISH66]

I have lots of composite expertise and have reinforced many differant skis. some carbon, some kevlar weaves..... always use a nice layer of nytex(biax) as your main strength component. Use the carbon as a visual topper....it makes it stronger as well but the main strength will come from your nytex and a good epoxy resin. I have always had great luck with a single layer of 29oz nytex and a nice visual cap of carbon or some nice kevlar. I would NOT only use carbon as the only reinforcement. Just my 2cents....

 

[Austin]

Where do you buy that? I cant find it any where on the internet? But I think I might try and do that on the front of my x2. Any one know if the 24k will work?

 

[Waternut]

Never heard anyone say that a biax fiberglass is stronger than carbon... If you're talking about 29oz biax vs the most common 5.5oz carbon, then I agree but that's not what we're talking about. I can also potentially see the carbon picking up more load than it needs to due to the increased stiffness and shear flow advantage. However, if you fail the reinforcement because it picked up too much load, that's a whole lot better and way easier to repair than the hull failing before the reinforcement.

The 24k will work provided you don't have any serious corners to turn. If you have any little stiffeners on the inside wall of the hull, you'll want to grind them flat before adding any reinforcement on top since you won't be able to make a wet layup conform to those tiny ridges.

 

[Austin]

Never heard anyone say that a biax fiberglass is stronger than carbon... If you're talking about 29oz biax vs the most common 5.5oz carbon, then I agree but that's not what we're talking about. I can also potentially see the carbon picking up more load than it needs to due to the increased stiffness and shear flow advantage. However, if you fail the reinforcement because it picked up too much load, that's a whole lot better and way easier to repair than the hull failing before the reinforcement.

The 24k will work provided you don't have any serious corners to turn. If you have any little stiffeners on the inside wall of the hull, you'll want to grind them flat before adding any reinforcement on top since you won't be able to make a wet layup conform to those tiny ridges.

thanks for clearing that up sounds like I will save a little money and just stick with the carbon fiber that I ordered.