is cf trimable?

[weaselnoze]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4541249963&category=35567

thinking about picking one of these up.  would i be able to trim off the top with my dremel being that its cf? also if its a lil rough when im done, can i sand it smooth?

[GeeP]

Sure.  Use a Dremel High Speed Steel cutter.  They're about 3/8" in dia.  Forget the number...  Can get it if you want.  Use the lowest speed on your Dremel.

[weaselnoze]

so i cant just use the regular cut off wheel?  and why the low speed?  so it doesn 'melt'?

[GeeP]

The abrasive wheels will load up quickly and melt the surrounding resin leaving a nasty looking cut and causing localized delamination.  They also tend to tear the reinforcement leaving fuzz.  

The reason for running at low speed is mainly to keep the cutter from getting hot enough to temper.  If it gets above about 400 degrees it starts to loose it's teeth, literally.  If the cutter turns brown, you're going too fast.  

The Dremel number is 199

The alternative is a $6,000 Ketts saw with counter-rotating carbide blades.  Much faster, but expensive for 1-time use.      If you go slow w/ the Dremel cutter, you won't be able to tell the difference.  

Oh, you can finish the edges with 220 grit for a smooth finish.

[weaselnoze]

hmm i think i'll go with the kets saw...  thanks for the info geep

[GeeP]

Post pics!  

[dgyver]

I use a dremel with the fiber reinforced cut off wheels. I vary the speeds depending on the area being cut but normally it is at full speed. I never had any problems with melting of the resin or fuzzing of the carbon fiber. I use epoxy resin but you may have problems while cutting polyester resin which has a much lower melting point. Most manufacturers use epoxy with cf.