Composite Materials: Fabrication Handbook #1 (Composite Garage Series) Paperback – May 15, 2009

As it states in its introduction, this book is intended as a PRACTICAL, hands-on guide to learning the basics of working with composites. It spends almost no time on designing composite structures and instead focuses on the actual techniques you need to learn in order to build those structures yourself. It begins by describing the most common materials and how and why they are used, then moves on to safety (very important) and helpful tools, and then into how to actually make some basic composite structures via various wet layup techniques.To me, one of the strong points of this book is that it isn't too discipline-specific, i.e. it doesn't seem to have a bias toward any one type of structure. Almost every other book from which I've tried to learn some of these basic techniques has been aimed toward building either an airplane or a boat of some sort, and used examples (and terminology) specific to them. This book might have just a *slight* bias toward automobiles, but that's it. By showing how to lay up a flat panel, a tube and a couple of other structures, it shows several basic techniques that can be applied to a wide variety of projects. It also shows how to make different types of molds, the pros and cons of different types of resin (and how to choose the best one depending on what you're trying to build) and different types of reinforcement. And it shows a variety of finishing techniques as well, which I've rarely seen in any of the books I've encountered in the five-plus years I've been working with composites--including a couple I *wish* I had learned much sooner.Another strong point is the clear COLOR photographs, which are consistently well composed and well lit, so you can actually see what's really going on. Every photo and diagram also has a descriptive caption, which are consistently excellent. My only quibble, and it's a very small one, is that the photos sometimes run ahead of the text by a couple of pages. But even if you just follow the photos (there are hundreds of them), you will still get a very good idea of the process being shown. One other observation: Many of the photos are arranged six to a page (two across and three down) and read in order down the left-hand column, then back to the top of the right-hand column. It was a bit confusing at first, as I would've expected to read across the page first and then down to the next row. But again, that's easy enough to get used to--and the photos are numbered.The author's language is conversational and informal throughout, a perfect match for a practical guide. Also, the paper is thick and glossy, the layout is clean, uncluttered and easy to read, and the perfect-bound construction seems well done. So the book should last for quite a while.If you're looking for a book that covers many of the basics, but geared toward aviation and with a somewhat more theoretical approach, check out Composite Basics by Andrew C. Marshall. But if you're looking for a consistently superior guide to the basics of working with composites, Composite Materials Fabrication Handbook is the one you want.NOTE: This book (Fabrication Handbook #1) covers basic wet layups only. It does NOT cover prepregs, compression molding, vacuum bagging or resin infusion. However, those topics and others are covered in Composite Materials Fabrication Handbook #2 by the same author, which is just as good as Handbook #1 and also worth every penny. Do what I did and just buy both at the same time. You won't regret it.

This book (paperback) is an intro to the world of composites related to carbon fiber, fiberglass, and kevlar and covers all you would need to get started on simple production. It goes through the tools needed, terminology, molding, materials to use and in what combination/order, and all sorts of techniques to produce basic parts. It is a guide through the composite world and shares a lot of tips and tricks to get going. I would highly recommend this book and have order the other 3 in the series to continue with my knowledge of composites. Lots of high quality pictures to show exactly what is going on. Pair this with youtube tutorials and you will be started in no time.

Books 1 and 2 provide good photo-coverage of composite introduction and fabrication. Step-by-step details are clearly depicted from the making of simple parts to production tooling. All are done in non-technical, easy-to-understand fashion.Be aware though, as stated on the covers, these books are in the "garage series" and are geared towards hands-on fabrication (as opposed to design). The emphasis is towards cosmetic rather than high-efficiency structural applications.So if your interests are towards building hood scoops, cycle fenders, etc, you will find these books highly informative.If your interest are towards aerospace or racecar structural composites where high-strength and light-weight are paramount, look elsewhere. Also, if you are looking for information on technical design of composites, look elsewhere.

This is an excellent book on the subject. It gives brief but clear explanations and goes into just enough detail to understand the concepts, while still being very clear and concise. I feel like after having read this book I am ready to start working with composites. My only complaint is that vacuum-bagging is not covered in this book, and is described as a more advanced method. I see it is covered in the second book, which I suspect I will buy at some point.

Not a lot of good info on fiberglass layup technique (bubble busting, inside corners, stiffening, etc.), which is mainly what I'm interested in. Good info on comparable composite systems pros and cons, but if you already know the system you will be using you'd be better off getting a book dedicated to that system.

I bought the series and have really enjoyed working with it. I have read all on this subject and have found this series to cover everything from understanding the different materials used, to making moulds and producing the end result with success. I found that it definitely widened my understanding and knowledge of composite, resulting in a high success in the end product. Right material for the right result..

I need to get up to speed on this manufacturing technique really soon for a major school project I'm working on. After watching some youtube videos I realized I needed some more detail. This book is really excellent. The first half is detailed information about the types of products available and why you'd use one over the other. The second half is step-by-step procedures showing how to use them. Just what I needed.