Cutting Carbon?

[Daniel Gee]

I understand that when cutting carbon you need a hacksaw balde with loads&loads of Teeth per Inch.

I can only find blades with a maximum of 32 TPI. Is that enough?

If not, how much is enough? and where might I purchase such a blade?

Cheers

Daniel xx

[Michelle]

Dan said...

[quote]Daniel xx

[mlocke]

When I was doing something in me bathroom I had to cut a hole in my shower tray which is similar to bike carbon i suppose.

I used a blade that looked like it had no teeth - it was more like sandpaper and didnt look like it would cut anything at all but slid through it like butter once i got going.

I think i got that from B&Q - but i think it was quite expensive (and no not cos i'm a tight northerner)

Locky

[Daniel Gee]

it just seems foolish to go in a shop and ask them to a job that will take around four (4) minutes. Its like getting the shop to repair you're punctures

[Steve W]

Hi Daniel

I've cut a few forks and seatposts before. Any new hacksaw blade will do the job. Use some emery paper to sand down the cut end and remove any loose fibres.
Oh and always wear goggles,mask and gloves as carbon fibre is dodgy stuff.
on second thoughts take it to Butlers.

[Mike I]

Using my special DIY time estimate formula* a 4 minute job will take 8 hours. Take it to Butlers.

*Estimate time to do job; double it; move up to the next unit of time measurement.

[Daniel Gee]

I'm queitly confidant that it'll go without hitch.

Nip 2 B&Q on my way home. Couple of quick nips of scotch @ home & then cutty-cutty time.

Ten (10) minutes tops

[Marky Mark]

[quote="Daniel Gee"]I'm queitly confidant that it'll go without hitch.

Nip 2 B&Q on my way home. Couple of quick nips of scotch @ home & then cutty-cutty time.

Ten (10) minutes tops

[Daniel Gee]

I'm thinking of cutting the steerer tube down on my winter bike as I want to drop the bars a bit further down & there is already a ridiculous amount of protruding steerer.

[quote="Marky Mark"]Saw tooth pitch will be smaller (larger TPI number) because, and i'm guessing now becauce of the fibres in the carbon. A larger piched blade could snatch.

[Andrew G]

Chainsaw. Whatever the end result you'll have fun doing it.

[Marky Mark]

I've been looking around the interweb contraption at Carbon Fibre cutting.

One thing really sticks out, it's a health and safety no-no. Whatever you do, don't inhale the dust. It won't like you!!!!

Good tip is to use a hoover, might as well do the stairs while your at it

[Andrew G]

[quote="Marky Mark"]Good tip is to use a hoover,

[Marek]

I think there was a review of a carbon fibre hacksaw in Cycling Weekly this week. It was about £30 I think. It sounds like the ones with no teeth.

Cheers

Marek....

p.s. It should be pretty bliming easy to do if you ask me. Just make sure you don't cut off too much. I don't think it matters if it is not a straight cut to be honest.

[Jon H]

Measure twice, cut once.

[Jim B]

Angle grinder.
Takes about 30 seconds.
Don't even have to sand it afterwards.
Just put a bit of tape round as a guide.