[ATM] Vacuum Bagging

["Polk, Tom" <TPolk@decatur-al.gov>]

Hello,

I'm building an 18 point mirror cell (using the ever reliable PLOP) and
would like to experiment using carbon fiber.

Does anyone have ideas or experience using the following?

Shop Vac for vacuum source. Looking to smooth out lay-up and a
reasonably good resin to fiber ratio. Since to design loads are low (16"
x 1" plate glass) will be sufficient vacuum?

Vacuum Bag = Clothing vacuum bags (the type you get from Target, Wal
Mart or K-Mart) that have a check valve made for home vacuums. >OR< Use
polyethylene vapor barrier from Lowes or Home Depot taped to workshop
table.
 
Peel Ply = kitchen cellophane wrap. Cheap, may just get the real thing.

Breather Cloth = cotton towels. This stuff is fairly cheap too.

What tools are used to trim parts after curing? I plan on using a router
table and/or Dremel too.

Should the part be pre-cut? I had thought about laying-up and vacuum
bagging a sufficiently sized core material then use table saw to cut to
size. But figured it would trash the saw blade.

Should the parts be pre-drilled? Will drilling a hole in a precise
location be possible with the woven pattern of the CF? I'm planning on
pre-drilling the 0.25" core then using a Dremel tool to trim the hole
then drill press again.

Core material = 0.25 inch aircraft grade birch plywood, five ply.

Thanks for any ideas.

Tom Polk

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