Tips and tricks to cutting carbon fibre???

[ozzys4r]

I would like to cut down the front guard on my s4r... Is it similar to working with fibre glass? any tips or tricks i need to know about?

Would also like to drill some holes in a carbon fibre clutch cover i have? same questions?

thanks

[RichD]

If you've done fiberglass you know what to do 

[ozzys4r]

Thanks, I imagine its a fair bit tougher to cut/drill. What sorta tools would you recommend? I would just use a very fine hacksaw on fibre glass... and steel drill bits. Starting super small and working my way up slowly in size?

[Scotzman]

I would tape with masking/painters tape on both sides of where ever your cutting to prevent any scratches.

[ozzys4r]

Yeah, always use painters tape on the edges. Generally, unless you get super lucky, you will have to gel coat the side that shows again anyway...

[weemonster]

use Jig saw.
Take your time.
wear a mask.

My fairing was a race with no headlamp hole so i used my stock pne as a template.

I didnt use masking tape i just used a white chalk marker pen.

but i can see why you would need too if using a cutting wheel on a dremel.

The dremel takes more skill.
jig saw is easier.

[psycledelic]

I have cut all my parts to fit with a dremel tool.  I have never had any issues.  You just have to be patient.  I cut unwanted sections out with a cutting disk and used the soft head grinder to straighten things up.  Then sealed the edges that were exposed.

I cut down older model side vents to fit my frame and cut a huge section out of my belly pan to accomidate my exhaust. 

[geoffduc]

Be sure to allways wear a mask as the dust particles are deadly when they get on your lungs...

[Ducnial]

Dremel with abrasive cut-off disc.  Mask, mark & go slow.  Yes, wear a face mask and eye protection as you will explode a few discs.

[JustMike]

Dremel with abrasive cut-off disc.  Mask, mark & go slow.  Yes, wear a face mask and eye protection as you will explode a few discs.

And just because they are little... doesn't mean they don't hurt as they lodge in yer face....

and they don't care if it's the part... or yer finger either....

[Case S2R]

To reiterate what others have said,

1. Tape the cut area to avoid fraying
2. Mark cut line on the tape
3. Cut with a Dremel using a reinforced cut off wheel, DO NOT USE A JIGSAW, carbon likes to be cut by abrasion not "teeth" from a saw
4. Pull tape and clean the edges with 300 to 400 grit sand paper, 220 if you are carefull
5. Shoot a nice clear coat over the part and it is better than new (if clearing scuff with grey scotchbrite or 400grit)

If you are just notching a piece of carbon you can use Dremel's abrasion wheels they work good at "shaving" down the carbon.

Above all wear a mask, you do not want to breathe the dust.

[ozzys4r]

Thanks for all the replies... Some really helpful info there... I feel armed and ready to go!

Wish me luck