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Old 12-18-2010, 01:31 PM   #1
toomuchstuff
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 254444
Join Date: Aug 2010
Default Making my own silicon hoses

Hand made?
Mandrel wrapped?
1000's of dollars for stuff that is made to fit a factory plumed car?


I did a little research on how hand made silicone hoses are made. First a solid stainless mandrel must be made with the same shape of the hose and the same ID as the hose you want to build or reproduce.. second the mandrel is bagged with a heat shrink release agent. Third the mandrel is wrapped with layers of silicone and reinforced fabric like nomex. forth the wrapped mandrel go's in to the batch oven. Last a the mold is removed from the mandrel, a water pressure system may be used or a port-a-power in my case.

I have a close friend that makes fishing gaffs out of solid stainless and showed him some of the more complex hoses I want to build he has the stainless rods in all the sizes I need so I dont have to buy 20' ft bar to make one 6" inch hose, he bends up to 1 1/4 - 316 stainless all day so the mandrels will be ez..

I have emails out to lots of silicone dealers but any help in finding the stuff I need for a proper lay up in colors like lime green or purple be cool....
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