Cutting Carbon Airframe

[thequick]

I want to cut a few inches off a carbon airframe. It is a small diameter tube so I’m inclined to cut it on a lathe with a carbide bit. Does anyone know if this will work? I am concerned that it might start fraying instead of cutting. It is a filament wound tube, not a rolled and layer weave.

Thanks

 

[mpitfield]

I want to cut a few inches off a carbon airframe. It is a small diameter tube so I’m inclined to cut it on a lathe with a carbide bit. Does anyone know if this will work? I am concerned that it might start fraying instead of cutting. It is a filament wound tube, not a rolled and layer weave.

Thanks

It will work, wear gloves and a respirator. CF cuts and drills very easily, but be prepared for the dust, it gets everywhere.

 

[blackjack2564]

Yes it will work fine.

 

[OverTheTop]

For cutting fiberglass and CF in the lathe I find using something as a toolpost grinder works a treat. I have the choice of a Dremel with cutting wheels or a dental drill with diamond burrs. Very clean cut, but dealing with dust, especially CF, is a nuisance. Also works great for turning balsa.

Let us know how it goes with the carbide bit.

 

[David Schwantz]

I do not think a bit of any type would work very well, will fray badly. A grinder as stated, but have you ever thought of a chop saw with a blade for cutting tile or concrete? Should be able to get a perfect 90 degree cut. I cut carbon shafts all the time with this type of blade, cut is clean and square.

 

[SDramstad]

I use a cheap wet tile cutter from Harbor Freight. Works great and the water keeps the dust down.
Steve

 

[JohnCoker]

I use a cheap wet tile cutter from Harbor Freight. Works great and the water keeps the dust down.
Steve

You can even get fancy and make a fixture around one to make it easier to cut larger tubes:
jcrocket.com/tubesaw.shtml

 

[thequick]

Today I cut the tube on the lathe using a carbide bit. It cut really well with a little dust. There were a few carbon whiskers that I can knock off with sandpaper or a file. Here are some pictures :

 

[REK]

I recommend a tungsten carbide rod saw. It is cheap and will cut any composite material with ease and with minimal fraying.

A blade with fine teeth (more teeth) will also work great. You want to steer clear from coarse teeth. Those will yank and pull on the carbon and will fray it even worse.

 

[Wallace]

I'd have bet against that working as well as it appears..Congrats.

 

[Wallace]

Assume you had a plug inside the tube?