TerryE

My Feedback: (12)

I have just made the move from RTF to kit building

A lot of the plans I am looking at use CF for strength.

What is the best way to cut it ?

What glue should I use for it? Do I need to roughen the surface first?

Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?

I have never used this stuff before, so sorry about all the questions....[X(]

Thanks
Terry

Deadeye

If you get no answers, try posting this question in the 'Composites' forum.

khodges

My Feedback: (1)

I assume you have a supplier for it. Are you talking about extruded carbon fiber, such as rods, tubing, and flat stock? If so, epoxy works great; you can cut it with a razor saw or Dremel cutoff wheel, and just rough it up a little, use 150 grit or finer, for good bond. I've started reinforcing my wing spars and the center section supports on high wing planes with carbon, but be careful-- you're going to add more weight than if you just used a little larger piece of balsa, and sometimes the extra strength isn't worth the weight gain- it's easy to over-engineer parts, make them stronger than they need to be, and turn out heavier than the need to be, also.

rclement

My Feedback: (1)

TerryE, I have worked with carbon fiber at Boeing. You can use a diamond wheel to cut it or a saw with really fine teeth. Epoxy does work just fine to glue it. The biggest safety concerns are not breathing the dust from it and being carefull not to get any slivers (shards) from it. The slivers tend to be small and hard to get out. You could try wearing some surgical gloves.