Where to get Carbon Fiber Sheets?

[DETN8R]

Just wondering because I have some things I'd like to make out of it.

[scoutfam]

how big of a sheet are we talking.

[Haku]

Make it yourself.....if you dare. I have a feeling that it might be a bit hard to find it all laid up and ready to just cut. I imagine you'll find tons of the fake plastic coated stuff that just looks like it though. Definitely not the friendliest stuff to work with either.

If you are interested in making it yourself, then I recommend some of the writeups on www.racingcomposites.net. You have to register for the forum to see stuff, but lots of good info on everything from making a flat plate, to adding a carbon overlay to an existing piece, to making custom molded stuff. Everyone from complete novices all the way up to full on race car body guys.

JH

[DETN8R]

Thanks guys, Basically I want to make a center console/storage box to house misc. stuff and a subwoofer.

[Haku]

Thanks guys, Basically I want to make a center console/storage box to house misc. stuff and a subwoofer.

Let me ask you this. Why Carbon Fiber? Are you just looking for the bling factor, or are you truly trying to make a lightweight, stiff and high tech unit?

The main reason I ask, is that there are much much easier ways to do it that will cost significantly less too. Carbon is notoriously hard to work with, both as its being layed up (formed essentially) and once its hardened. Its harder to cut, splinters easier, and is just more of a pain in the butt.

I'm just saying that in my experience, making something with fiberglass (easier to form, cheaper) and painting it a neat color is a better way. Carbon is cool and all, but getting its real benefits (lighter and stiffer) is quite hard to do. Plus, when its like that, it usually doesn't look as bling. For reference, most of the carbon car hoods you see are mostly fiberglass with a on overlay layer or two of carbon on top. Same goes for just about anything not related to racing (i.e. woofer boxes, consoles, show cars, etc) or if you do its really special (read spendy).

Not trying to disuade you, just letting you know what my experience has been with the stuff. Its badass and awesome, but most of the aftermarket automotive use isn't really executed well.

JH

[DETN8R]

Yeah, Pretty much because Carbon Fiber looks cool. Basically because I have absolutely no experience with Carbon Fiber I was planning to make the the Shape pretty boxy for all of those reason. I figure something with no curvature would be easier to mold.

So, does anyone know where to buy it?

[Even 11]

Ebay or dragonplate.com would be a good place to buy it

here's a site with a how to on working with it.
http://volvospeed.com/Mods/carbon_fiber_sheets.html

I've seen a guy build a speaker box out of thin MDF wood and then laminate it with CF and aluminum angle on the edges and it looked pretty good but it was pricey and heavy.

If you do it, post up a project build on it!!

-Dane



P.S. a google search brought up these places too

http://www.robotcombat.com/marketplace_carbonfiber.html
http://www.protechcomposite.com/servlet/StoreFront?gclid=CJDK1vma6JoCFQFqxwoduSbxjg
http://www.composite-resources.com/off-the-shelf/black-project/carbon-fiber-sheets/default.html
http://www.machv.com/cafiplsh.html
http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=1090&step=2
:D:D

[Brody]

I Googled 'carbon fiber sheet source' and got a bunch. Dragon Plate came up a lot, so did Carbon By Design.

Dragon Plate:

http://dragonplate.com/

Carbon By Design:

http://www.carbonbydesign.com/?gclid=CIOh8oCC6ZoCFQKHxwodK1mAkQ

[DETN8R]

Thanks guys. I'll see if I can find the money to buy some.