I just picked up a Clark Custom carbon fiber float tube for an AR build. The tube is too long however, and I'd like to cut a few inches off of it. Any recommendations on how to do that?
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan
Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
- Thread starter clark98ut
- Start date
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
not totally sure, but maybe a really fine tooth blade turned backwards in a compound miter saw,,, so you can get a nice 90degree cut on the tube??? maybe test it on the first 1/2" before you cut the full 2" off or what ever.... maybe even cut a wood blank to fit snug inside the tube (that you would cut thru also) to help keep slintering down to a minimum. put blue painters tape around cut area?? Totally guessing on this.
or a really nice fine tooth band saw with a fence.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: clark98ut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked up a Clark Custom carbon fiber float tube for an AR build. The tube is too long however, and I'd like to cut a few inches off of it. Any recommendations on how to do that?
Thanks,
Dan </div></div>
not totally sure, but maybe a really fine tooth blade turned backwards in a compound miter saw,,, so you can get a nice 90degree cut on the tube??? maybe test it on the first 1/2" before you cut the full 2" off or what ever.... maybe even cut a wood blank to fit snug inside the tube (that you would cut thru also) to help keep slintering down to a minimum. put blue painters tape around cut area?? Totally guessing on this.
or a really nice fine tooth band saw with a fence.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: clark98ut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked up a Clark Custom carbon fiber float tube for an AR build. The tube is too long however, and I'd like to cut a few inches off of it. Any recommendations on how to do that?
Thanks,
Dan </div></div>
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
It's going to depend on how the fiber layout is. It could end up splintering if cut wrong. Try a Dremel with a thin blade cut off tool. Wear a good dust mask, gloves and defiantly outside. That's some nasty dust. It cyts easy, just abrasive.
It's going to depend on how the fiber layout is. It could end up splintering if cut wrong. Try a Dremel with a thin blade cut off tool. Wear a good dust mask, gloves and defiantly outside. That's some nasty dust. It cyts easy, just abrasive.
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
before the cut,cover the cutting area with a strip ot painter's adhesive paper,and trace on it the line of cut with a pencil_Cut with a Dremel tool,or better,PROXXON drill, and little abrasive disc_ I don't know how deep can be the cut on your float tube,but even if the diameter of dremel carbide wheel (DREMEL Cut-off Wheel No.409) won't be deep enough,his first cut will be fine to work on it with a deeper cut tool,anyway_ Wear gloves,googles and a MASK,of course:I'm not a safety fan,but the dust coming off will be very bad to inhale (don't ask how I know it)_good work _ if you don't have a dremel,find a replacement carbide blade for you handsaw:I don't know her english name, but this carbide blade has a round section,and saw even a glass bottle_remember the mask_
before the cut,cover the cutting area with a strip ot painter's adhesive paper,and trace on it the line of cut with a pencil_Cut with a Dremel tool,or better,PROXXON drill, and little abrasive disc_ I don't know how deep can be the cut on your float tube,but even if the diameter of dremel carbide wheel (DREMEL Cut-off Wheel No.409) won't be deep enough,his first cut will be fine to work on it with a deeper cut tool,anyway_ Wear gloves,googles and a MASK,of course:I'm not a safety fan,but the dust coming off will be very bad to inhale (don't ask how I know it)_good work _ if you don't have a dremel,find a replacement carbide blade for you handsaw:I don't know her english name, but this carbide blade has a round section,and saw even a glass bottle_remember the mask_
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
I've cut plenty of carbon arrows. Don't try to cut carbon fiber with any blades that have teeth, no mater how fine, it will produce tear out and splinter the cut end. Only use a high speed abrasive bit like a Dremel or something similar. Archery shops have saws to cut carbon fiber arrows that may work if they pull off the guards.
I've cut plenty of carbon arrows. Don't try to cut carbon fiber with any blades that have teeth, no mater how fine, it will produce tear out and splinter the cut end. Only use a high speed abrasive bit like a Dremel or something similar. Archery shops have saws to cut carbon fiber arrows that may work if they pull off the guards.
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
+1 on masking the area with painter's tape. Like wood, it'll tend to tear out and the tape prevents fibers from lifting off the surface. You can cheat by using a straight edge or a flexible edge as a guide to score around the cut perimeter with a couple sharp utility blades. That will sever the surface fibers and reduce the chance of tearing out when the cut is made. It takes a bit of elbow grease but gives a better chance of cosmetic success.
When you're done cutting with whatever method you've selected, use some fine 400 grit sandpaper on a sanding block to clean up the cut surfaces to give it an even appearance. I would also put an edgebreak on the OD and ID with fine sandpaper. This will prevent minor bangs and dings on the edges from working fibers loose. Sharp edges can otherwise peel back fibers and delaminate the top surface.
+1 on masking the area with painter's tape. Like wood, it'll tend to tear out and the tape prevents fibers from lifting off the surface. You can cheat by using a straight edge or a flexible edge as a guide to score around the cut perimeter with a couple sharp utility blades. That will sever the surface fibers and reduce the chance of tearing out when the cut is made. It takes a bit of elbow grease but gives a better chance of cosmetic success.
When you're done cutting with whatever method you've selected, use some fine 400 grit sandpaper on a sanding block to clean up the cut surfaces to give it an even appearance. I would also put an edgebreak on the OD and ID with fine sandpaper. This will prevent minor bangs and dings on the edges from working fibers loose. Sharp edges can otherwise peel back fibers and delaminate the top surface.
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
If it's true carbon composite, it'll cut similarly to wood - cut it with a rough blade, and splinters will fly all over.
PPE is a must -- a well vetilated area, face mask, and gloves are essential. Wash your hands, arms, and face after the cut - in that order. Use soap and water. If there are any splinters (breakout) and you get a splinter in your skin, go see the doctor. Unlike wood, carbon splinters will fester and work deeper, causing what's known in the industry as a 'black beauty.'
If you have a high-speed cutting wheel (thin Dremel wheel or similar) then you can easily mark the cut line with tape and just fillow the line. The carbon isn't going to hold a grudge so run the tool up to max RPM. If you have a dowel that will fit the ID, that's ideal but not necessary. Sand the cut with regular sandpaper to smooth the cut, then vacuum (don't blow) the dust up before continuing. Clean the cut and surrounding area with isopropyl alcohol and a clean towel, then seal the cut with Henkel EA956 or suitable substitute. The final step will keep future breakout from occurring at the cut site.
You should be able to find everything at the drugstore or big box store. The EA956 you can find from these guys here - http://www.skygeek.com/hysol-ea-956-resin.html
If it's true carbon composite, it'll cut similarly to wood - cut it with a rough blade, and splinters will fly all over.
PPE is a must -- a well vetilated area, face mask, and gloves are essential. Wash your hands, arms, and face after the cut - in that order. Use soap and water. If there are any splinters (breakout) and you get a splinter in your skin, go see the doctor. Unlike wood, carbon splinters will fester and work deeper, causing what's known in the industry as a 'black beauty.'
If you have a high-speed cutting wheel (thin Dremel wheel or similar) then you can easily mark the cut line with tape and just fillow the line. The carbon isn't going to hold a grudge so run the tool up to max RPM. If you have a dowel that will fit the ID, that's ideal but not necessary. Sand the cut with regular sandpaper to smooth the cut, then vacuum (don't blow) the dust up before continuing. Clean the cut and surrounding area with isopropyl alcohol and a clean towel, then seal the cut with Henkel EA956 or suitable substitute. The final step will keep future breakout from occurring at the cut site.
You should be able to find everything at the drugstore or big box store. The EA956 you can find from these guys here - http://www.skygeek.com/hysol-ea-956-resin.html
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
Cut it with a dimond saw And +infinity on PPE and tape.I've used countess pounds Carbon Fiber
Cut it with a dimond saw And +infinity on PPE and tape.I've used countess pounds Carbon Fiber
Re: Cutting carbon fiber (Clark Custom Handguard)?
Thanks guys. I called Clark this morning, and they said to send it in, that they'd cut it for me. Think I'll go that route and avoid the PITA.
Thanks guys. I called Clark this morning, and they said to send it in, that they'd cut it for me. Think I'll go that route and avoid the PITA.
