Recumbent - diy aluminium/composite recumbent-where to look for ?

I am planning a diy no weld bent using carbon fiber and aluminium.

Where should I look for informations on measures, how tos for the composite material and else ?
Maybe someone here can share experiences on composite framebuilding ?
I found 200gr x yard ( meter ) carbon fiber tissue in a shop near my house at 35 euros a yard.
I wonder how many plies I need .
Also what should be the thickness for aluminium tubes ?


Thanks,
Gabriele Betti

I think you're in way over your head. Are you doing this to save money, or to have something that no-one else does? Make your decision, because you can't have both.

I think you're in way over your head. Are you doing this to save money, or to have something that no-one else does? Make your decision, because you can't have both.

I admit it being a little hard to accomplish .
Still looking for sources.

Carbon guru (at least in recumbent circles) Garrie Hill uses the 'black steel' theory. That is, make the carbon the same thickness as you would have made a chromo frame. I have some 5.3 oz fabric for my project that will require 3 layers to achieve a thickness of approx. .035", and the boom/headset area may get an extra layer. The fabric's thickness is usually one of the advertised specs.

Make sure you read and understand the ifs ands and buts of working with CF. Not quite in the asbestos range of toxicity, but a lot more toxic than fibreglass. Generally speaking, imitating industrial processes in the basement is fraught with hazards. The epoxies and methods used to glue CF to itself and to aluminum frame parts have required years to develop. There are a lot of sites with DIY info and you might google on HPV sites for builders using these techniques and peruse their blogs.
Steve

I'll check the web on Garrie Hill.
I am aware of the dangers even though I didn't plan the how and where to build the staff..
Will I be able to use no model , but just lye and glue the composite on fiber glassed alu tube and then laminate it ( so that the tube get stack in the composite ) ?
I wonder if I will be able to use techniques like those for papier mache ( I have a friend who is an expert on that ).

Thanks,
Gab-

See
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/howibuil.htm

Don't let the scare talk discourage you. The epoxy I'm using is very low odor. Wear a cheap particulate mask when cutting the fabric and work in a ventilated area, and remember that safety gear's SOP whether you're using glass, CF, or welding. And, obviously, gloves for working with the epoxy.