Carbon fiber has many uses from automotive parts to sporting goods.It is difficult to cut because of its strength.It is easy to cut it if you have the right tools.A simple way to quickly and cleanly cut through pipes and flat pieces is using a rotary tool.You can use a saw blade if you need to make a cut that isn't straight.When you are done with your project, make sure to smooth out the carbon fiber.
Step 1: There is a piece of carbon fiber on the workbench.
If you have a downdraft table, you can use the built-in system to suck the carbon fiber dust away.Cut the carbon fiber on the flat surface if you don't have a downdraft table.The piece of carbon fiber needs to be pinned in place.To protect the work surface from damage, lay a piece of foam down and cut the carbon fiber on top of it.You may be able to cut carbon fiber on your own.If you use a straight edge, or another surface, you can cut the carbon fiber cleanly.Make sure the carbon fiber piece stays in place while you cut it.
Step 2: To outline the area you want to cut, use masking tape.
Regular pencil won't show up well on carbon fiber, which is a dark gray or black color.Measure out your cut with a ruler.To create a border around the area, lay down multiple pieces of tape.It works well for rounded surfaces.A silver permanent marker is a marking tool.For extra precision, combine it with the tape.
Step 3: Carbon fiber dust can be avoided if you wear a dust mask and eye protection.
Carbon fiber dust is harmful to your eyes and lungs.Before cutting carbon fiber, you should wear protective gear.The area should be kept as free of dust as possible.If this option is available to you, using the ventilation system on a downdraft table helps a lot.You can use a vacuum hose near your workbench to suck up dust as you cut carbon fiber.
Step 4: If you have cuts or irritation, put on a pair of long gloves.
A good pair of reinforced gloves is a must if you cut carbon fiber.Carbon fiber dust can accumulate underneath your fingernails and between your hands if you wear long gloves.If you plan on cutting large amounts of carbon fiber, wearing long-sleeved clothing can help protect the rest of your body.You may feel a stinging sensation if you get carbon dust on your skin.It's a good idea to rinse the area under cold water.
Step 5: The cut-off wheel or drum can be diamond or tungsten.
You can use a Dremel to cut carbon fiber.Make sure the wheel or drum is listed as being abrasive.Smooth wheels and drums are less likely to get stuck than drums with teeth.Any drum or wheel that is designed to cut metal will work.These lower-grade cutters will not last as long if they are made from diamond or tungsten carbide, which can cause problems with the carbon fiber used to make it.Straight, smooth cuts can be made with rop tools.They are quicker to use on carbon fiber than saw blades.
Step 6: The carbon fiber should be removed from the top.
Lower the wheel onto the carbon fiber piece after positioning it on the cutting surface.You can cut right along the line you traced on the carbon.You should keep the saw on the side of the line.Continue moving the tool along the piece until you complete the cut.A good blade will cut through the carbon fiber quickly and smoothly, so you can cut along the lines you traced.
Step 7: If the blade starts to heat up, slow it down.
If you are using a metal wheel, this can happen when the tool struggles to cut through the hard fiber.Loud shrieks, a loss of cutting power, and a burning smell are some of the signs of overheating.If you suspect that the tool is overheating, move it away from the carbon fiber and shut it down.You should not rush your cuts.Give your tools time to cool down.
Step 8: Use a 180-grit sanding block to smooth out cuts.
Rub the cut edge down to remove excess material around the guiding line you traced.Any sharp edges should be eliminated by this.When you are done, use the block to smooth the carbon fiber and look for any odd parts.You can use a file to smooth out the carbon fiber.
Step 9: You can find a saw with a blade.
The teeth are the biggest problem with cutting carbon fiber.Carbon fiber will chip and blades with smaller teeth will wear out faster.Harder blades that don't have any teeth at all are the best option.You can use a saber saw with a hand saw.The carbon fiber will chip more when the back and forth motion is used.When used on carbon fiber, hand saws tend to wear out quickly.You may need to drill through the carbon fiber to start the interior cut.If you need to cut a curve or a round shape, a saw blade is more effective than a rotary tool.
Step 10: The saw blade should be placed inside the line you traced.
Cutting close to any guidelines you traced is risky because saw blades cause more chipping.If possible, position the blade away from the line.Continue using the line as a guide as you cut through the carbon fiber.A sanding block or file can be used to remove excess material.
Step 11: It was possible to see through the side of the carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber can be cut with a saw.You can not see top-down with a wheel.To cut through the fiber, move the saw back and forth.Continue until you finish the cut.To avoid damaging the carbon fiber finish, keep the saw blade a little bit ahead of any guiding lines.It isn't hard to remove excess material from this.
Step 12: Near the cut, file away the remaining carbon fiber material.
Use a metal file to finish the job.When you reach the lines you traced, file away excess material on the cut edges.The edges should look smooth and even when you are done.You can use a sanding block.There is a 120- and 180-grit sides to the block.The rougher side can be used to remove excess carbon fiber and smooth the edges.