The room was preheated overnight to a steady 26C and the hot box was on for the epoxy. Prep done and Michael arrived in the morning for the job. It took around 11 hours all up yet we had a good break at one stage and that reduces fatigue a lot.

Micro slurry took a couple of hours as it always does and this was the consistency worked out in my testing which can be found in detail on this site. It works a treat and filled the foam cells nicely then it benifits from a bit of time while we get lunch.

It was a bit of work to get the large plies down and lined up. The main application tool is a roller with a microfiber applicator. These are cheap and are fantastic for wetting out the cloth. I know of no better method, We then do a squeegee all over and right at the end we did a careful check with a ‘trouble’ light and found a few spots that needed a little more epoxy.

I’m extremely happy with this layup. It worked out very well. Michael’s method of taping for the BID tip section worked very well too. BID can really get away from you! Oh, yes the tapes were cut off after the piece was wetted out. We peel plied per the plans and I left the heater on overnight for an even temperature cure.

First UNI ply

Second UNI ply

Tip BID third ply