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Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
By:lee
Date: 6/10/2000, 7:00 am
In Response To: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets (sward)

: I'm new to this forum and didn't know if this is a relevant question to this
: forum: I'm laying up white water kayak helmets currently with my eye on
: laying up a glass squirt boat in the future. What epoxy should I be using?
: I live in Denver and have been dealing locally w/ an outfit that uses West
: Systems. My current layup is with outside layer of Kevlar-carbon fiber and
: inside layer of carbon fiber. I would appreciate any advice.

Hi Sward, Are you vacuum bagging these layups with a mold or is it all by hand? I made a kevlar/carbon seat once and can say that you really can't sand this stuff except at the edge where it is cut and trimmed with a trim piece. I don't have whitewater experience but have been in the surf with a sea kayak and have used the plastic helmets. Seems to me the cushioning and chin strap attachment is as important as the construction helmet. George gets excited when anybody tries something new so don't take his comments personally.

I've wondered about carbon as a shell material, when carbon fractures it has VERY sharp edges. Keeping the whole thing carbon/kevlar might be safer should things break inwards.

As far as epoxy goes I don't think the brand will matter as much as the method of construction. post pictures if you can.

Messages In This Thread

Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
sward -- 6/9/2000, 4:16 pm
Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
Don -- 6/11/2000, 11:51 pm
Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
Ian Johnston -- 6/12/2000, 2:44 am
Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
Brandon -- 6/11/2000, 1:34 pm
Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
lee -- 6/11/2000, 8:02 pm
Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
Bart Castleberry -- 6/10/2000, 6:13 pm
Re: Need advice on Epoxy for WW helmets
lee -- 6/10/2000, 7:00 am