Here i go with the "real" panel this time...
I realize that this stuff may not be most people's cup of tea.. but i absolutely love this stuff!
Here is the real part curing. I ended up making the final panel from one ply of the green carbon, backed up with eight plies of regular carbon. That may have been a tad overkill.. i think 6 plys of carbon would have been enough.. but i am left with a really stiff panel - i won't have to worry about it's integrity. After a lot of debate, i decided to try West System 105 Epoxy, with their "special" 207 hardener. It is claimed to be very clear-curing, and it has a UV resistant additive to prevent yellowing with solar exposure over time. I also plan on coating the panel with a UV blocking varnish when it is all done to improve the UV protection. I ran the vacuum at 15" of pressure.
Poped right out of the tool without any issue whatsoever!
There are a few minor blemishes, but I honestly couldn't be happier with the way it turned out! Next up, i'll have to trim it to a final fit and start populating the panel with all of the toys.