I found 2 new ways for making carbon tubes or poles this winter.

First, use a paper tube as a mold. I found some mailing tubes that are made by spiral warping paper tape. Pull on the end of the tape on the inside of the tube and it just unwraps from the inside. Some tubes used by carpet and fabric companies are made the same way. You have to be real careful to protect the paper tube from epoxy. I double wrap it in wax paper.

The second method is to use a florescent tube protector as a mold and just leave it in place. The tube protector is a thin light plastic tube used to protect florescent tubes in industrial environments. Do not vacuum bag the first layer, the plastic tube will collapse. Apply the first layer of carbon by hand using a light touch. Use peel ply to soak up the excess epoxy.You can vacuum bag all layers after that.

I have tried the heat shrink tape. It's ok for small tubes (1" dia x 2 ft long) and a lot of work for anything bigger.

I use 4 inch wide nylon tape for peel ply. I spiral wrap the tube pulling the tape very tight. Then apply the breather cloth and vacuum bag it. I found the nylon tape with finished edges to give the smoothest finish. It is also really cheap at the discount fabric stores.

Just for reference I bought my vacuum pump of eBay for $75. It has a tank, gauge and adjustable pressure switch. Best investment I ever made.