Ski Builders Forum

I have read a few threads about this, but just wanted to post another and see what people think.

I have been using QCM stuff, 1 layer of glass under the core, 2 above.

And thus far, it seems that out of a gallon of epoxy I have only been able to get 2 pairs of skis. Was really hoping for a bit more, but to get enough saturation on the layers of glass it seems that it really requires a fair bit of epoxy.

My first ski came out really heavy because I think I went a bit overboard, but really hoping I can get away with less epoxy, both weight wise and cost wise.

So does 2 pairs from 1 gallon epoxy seem a bit off? I know some people have gotten right around that, but it seems that some have gotten more for sure.

Thanks

I bought a 1/2 gallon of epoxy and 1qt of hardener. I was able to easily get 2 pairs of skis with this amount, with quite a bit of waste epoxy on the 1st ski.

However, I've done a fair bit of work with composites, and I can be quite stingy when it comes to wetting out cloth. I like to squeegee just enough around to get everything properly wet out, very little waste this way.

I use west systems, One gallon will get me three sets of skis and have a little extra. I have not been willing to try four because I would be too paniced to run out and have to swith the pumps in the middle of the layup. ra

I can get 6 skis per gallon of QCM if I'm really stingy... but I'm not using two layers of 22 oz. on top. So, I'd say you're not too far off, although, with practice, you'll find little ways to conserve. One way I've found is to wet out the glass after, rather than before, placing it in the lay-up. That way, it's easier to avoid wetting areas of glass that will just end up being cut away in the flash trimming process.

G-man

G-man wrote:I can get 6 skis per gallon of QCM if I'm really stingy... but I'm not using two layers of 22 oz. on top. So, I'd say you're not too far off, although, with practice, you'll find little ways to conserve. One way I've found is to wet out the glass after, rather than before, placing it in the lay-up. That way, it's easier to avoid wetting areas of glass that will just end up being cut away in the flash trimming process.

G-man

Ok. So sounds like I am not too far off, but could be a bit better.

These skis are all pretty big (186-191cm long, 104-130 in the waist) so it is a fair bit of materials and a fair bit of fiberglass.

I am thinking in the future I may add a carbon stinger instead of that top layer of class to cut down on weight and epoxy usage, but we shall see.

I layup the skis as I lay them in the cassette, so the glass does get wet on the spot.

I think I must just have been using too much. If there was any question in my mind, I put down a bit more epoxy. I was surprised how much it takes to really wet out the glass I have (22oz raka). I think next time I am going to get vectorply though.

iggyskier wrote:

I think I must just have been using too much. If there was any question in my mind, I put down a bit more epoxy. I was surprised how much it takes to really wet out the glass

I do exactly the same thing. I just don't like to see white-ish/dryer areas in the glass fiber when I'm doing a lay-up. But, I always get an awful lot if excess resin running out of the lay-up when the pressure is applied. Someday, when I'm feeling really adventurous, I'm going to lay up a ski with with numerous wet but still white-ish fabric areas, press it, and see if those dryer areas actually wet-out just fine with the pressing.

G-man

the type of fibreglass also has an influence on wettening. a friend of mine used 600g triax, which is approx. the same as 220oz triax. this tissue took maybe two or three times longer until it soaked up enough epoxy. this is a reason why i work with lighter tissues: there you can see quite clearly and quickly when there is enough epoxy because the soak up the epoxy really fast.

the type of fibreglass also has an influence on wettening. a friend of mine used 600g triax, which is approx. the same as 220oz triax. this tissue took maybe two or three times longer until it soaked up enough epoxy. this is a reason why i work with lighter tissues: there you can see quite clearly and quickly when there is enough epoxy because the soak up the epoxy really fast.

I will second that. I have been using a 22 oz tri-ax glass with a matte on the back, and I get about 2 pairs per gallon with a little resin left over. But, the glass I have been using takes a lot of epoxy to fully wet out, and there is usually a lot of waste. I did have one ski that I skimped on and didn't completely wet out the glass, thinking that it would still work... well, I ended up repressing the topsheet because it peeled off after a couple days.