Go Fred go!
Kevin
> On Nov 1, 2015, at 9:01 AM, Fred Klein <fklein@orcasonline.com> wrote:
>
>
> Although my mantra of all things aviation is ...to manage the degree of
> novelty...,
my shortcomings as a manager were revealed recently when I attempted to
post cure my custom made cowlings which Id made using a special high
temperature,
fire-retardant resin.
>
> The specsverified via email confirmation w/ the manufacturercall for a robust
post curing protocol:
> 1 hr @ 150 degrees F., 1 hr @ 200, 1 hr @ 250, 1 hr @ 300, and 2 hrs @ 350
> degrees
Fessential for achieving the (presumably desirable) hi temp & fire-retardant
attributes.
>
> A pal who hand builds bicycles has a suitable oven used for powder coating
> which
has the requisite temp. range, controls, monitoring, and built-in timers
complete
w/ red lights and loud buzzers.
>
> Nonetheless, halfway thru the cycle, after finding large blisters,
> deformation,
and some evidence of delamination, I promptly shut down the oven and removed
my top cowl.
>
> Based on the pattern of blisters and deformation, its apparent that the
> Last-A-Foam
stiffeners on the cowls interior did not take kindly to the high temperatures
during post curebut the truth is, I dont really care what caused the damagemy
goal is to salvage the cowl and continue reducing the number of days between
today and first flight.
>
> As for post-curing my cowls, I am content w/ the notion that the heat
> generated
by the engine & exhaust will suffice.
>
> Fred
>
>
>
>
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