Originally Posted by
blanclui
The last step is the removal of the aluminum mandrel from inside the tubes. This is done very easily if you have cleaned the mandrel with release agent before the wrapping of the carbon strips. If you forget this step, then I can assure you that you will never be able to take off the mandrel form the inside of the carbon tubes.
Can you elaborate on this a bit? All of my years of mold-making experience would lead me to believe that without any "draft" or taper to the mandrel it should be a nightmare to remove from the cured tube, even with the use of a release agent. It obviously works, as a LOT of carbon tubes are manufactured this way. How do you go about pulling out the mandrel? Freeze it to contract the aluminum?
I've only molded tubes using an exterior mold and an inflatable bladder.
Thanks much for this thread!
Rob