Product Description
While most books on composites approach the subject from a very technical standpoint, beginning composites presents practical, hands-on information about these versatile materials. From explanations of what a composite is, to demonstrations on how to actually utilize them in various projects, this book provides a simple, concise perspective on molding and finishing techniques to empower even the most apprehensive beginner. Topics include: What is a composite, why use composites, general composite types and where composites are typically used. The basics section also includes information on choosing the best resin/fiber system and the different types of both resin and fiber. Health and safety is a major consideration for any composite book. Author John Wanberg covers threats to both breathing and skin contact and how those contacts can be avoided when working with modern composite materials. First-time composite workers will need a work space and this book describes how to setup a shop that is both composite-friendly and safe. Once the shop is established, it’s time to begin using typical wet- layup and molding techniques. Creating useful composite parts starts with a good design, a topic that must be mastered before useful parts can be manufactured. Among the useful parts demonstrated here are both motorcycle and automotive components. The construction of these parts is documented in step-by-step fashion with an abundance of photographs - no step is left out. Any part created in a mold must be first removed from the mold, and second, finished and trimmed. Surface sanding and finishing makes up an entire chapter, ensuring that the composite parts you manufacture are not only light and extremely strong, but good looking as well.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 2 reviews)

Great Book by Reynaldo A. Gonzalez (Clinton Twp., Mi. United States)

5 Stars
November 22, 2009
This is a great book if you are new to working with fiberglass I higly recomend it

A true step by step beginner's manual with color photos by Tony Kase (State College, PA)

5 Stars
September 06, 2009
A well written non technical book that doesn't get bogged down in theory but lays a good foundation on the basics to get you going. Presents advantages and disadvantages of different composites to help you decide on a choice of composite to use. Covers safety, basic tools you will need and considerations in setting up a work space. The book then presents 4 projects, a flat panel lamination, speaker panel lamination, a mandrel lamination, and a moldless lamination of a hood scoop. Demolding and finishing techniques for these projects are covered in great detail with useful hints. The presentation of the projects remind me of a Chiltons auto repair manual, except its all in high quality photographic paper with color photos,better descriptions and detail. This book is 142 pages with over 300 high quality color photos with an average size of 3.25 x 2.25 inches. There are also references in the back of where you can get composites and resins to begin your project. You will finish this book with an understanding of basic composite fabrication and the confidence to do a small project yourself. This book does not cover advanced techniques, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, sandwich structures or cores such as honeycomb or foam. It also does not cover repair techniques. It is for those that want to fabricate some basic composite parts in their garage or workshop and a great step by step photographic reference for everybody. I encourage the author in a future project to cover the more advanced techniques in the same format since there is nothing out there. I look forward to handbook # 2.

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