Curiosity question about carbon fiber tubes

[Skip-in-WV]

Given the properties of carbon fiber tubes what is the best method to cut and finish the end so it looks good as a barrel shroud. And, how would you make it stay properly aligned with the barrel? Im not planning to make ones. Curious minds want to know.

 

[biohazardman]

Best way I have found to cut them and make it look nice is with a Dremel and a cut off wheel. I spin mine on a mini lathe when I do this. If you don.t have a lathe you can rig something up and use a drill. Make sure you wear a dust mask The CF is really nasty on the lungs.



I have used Delrin or aluminum bushings to align the barrel and usually carbon fiber shroud.

 

[BigTinBoat]

 



I utilize a standard mitre saw with real fine blade. Then I use a flanged bushing similar to that in Bio's middle pic to finish it off.

 

[Skip-in-WV]

I'm surprised. It looks much easier to work with than I thought it would. Thanks. Good advice about the C.F. dust. Never considered that aspect of it.

 

[swift]

I've actually lost count of how many metres of carbon fibre tube I have bought for this purpose been doing carbon fibre shrouds for years. It depends on the equipment that you have got if you haven't got a lathe to cut it on it can be very difficult to get square when cutting the carbon fibre tube to the length I generally use a grinding cut off wheel then finish with a carbide tool and then sanded the edges smooth with 320 sandpaper. Be very cancel splinters from carbon fibre can be a right pain and the dust produced when Cutting can be very toxic and harmful always wear a mask. If you have to do it by hand I would suggest using a Dremel and a square with a cut off wheel. If you could let me know your particular application I might be able to give you additional advice. Richard Pope.