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Ronin152
04-07-2009, 12:37 AM
I have a carbon fiber seat post which is little bit too long. I have read the how to's on doing it but am a little nervous its going to fray on me. Anyone else cut some carbon?

jeepxj3
04-07-2009, 01:46 AM
band saw would be best, and go slow

2002wranglerX
04-07-2009, 08:06 AM
i prefer a cut off wheel.

hack saws, sawzalls tend to rip the material. The cut off wheels are smooth and won't do that.

tjblair
04-07-2009, 08:24 AM
X2 on the cut off wheel.

DeathBlade556
04-07-2009, 11:20 AM
Tape above and below your cut line and use a dremel or other high speed cutter with a thin as possible cut off wheel.

trailerrails
04-07-2009, 10:33 PM
Tape the entire cut and use the finest hack saw blade you can find. Do not use a cut off wheel! The dust is very bad for you! Or just wear a respirator.

XJchris98
04-08-2009, 01:21 AM
Tape the entire cut and use the finest hack saw blade you can find. Do not use a cut off wheel! The dust is very bad for you! Or just wear a respirator.

Depending on the weave and mesh of the fiber, a hack saw blade (or any kind of 'toothed' blade) will tear up ends where he's trying to cut.


Theres really no good way to cut carbon, but a thin cutoff wheel is your best option in this case. I'd also suggest picking up some CAglue from your local hardware store or hobby shop to seal the end after you cut it. If not, you run the risk of the exposed fiber pieces fraying and pulling apart in the future.

trailerrails
04-08-2009, 09:03 AM
I worked in bike shops forever and that is how we cut steerer tubes and seat posts all the time. You tape the entire cut and draw a line on the tape and cut there. You need a blade that is a very high tooth count.

wozz
04-08-2009, 03:52 PM
At the shop we use a cutoff wheel and a respirator. We also have someone with a filtered shop vac standing there to suck up as much dust as possible.

Prepare to get itchy.

Krod
04-08-2009, 05:14 PM
Wear long sleeves, pants, goggles (without vents), and a GOOD mask, and work in a well ventilated area that you don't normally spend time at (the fiber particles get everywhere and will make you itch/sore for a long time)

The high speed wheel in the Dremel works well as others have said (but keep a bunch on hand since it eats them fast). Wet sand the edges afterwards, and either apply more resin or use some CA glue to seal the edges after you're done cutting.

Shodan
04-08-2009, 05:25 PM
After all of this you're probably thinking it's not too long after all, aren't you?

Ronin152
04-08-2009, 07:03 PM
After all of this you're probably thinking it's not too long after all, aren't you?
x2

trailerrails
04-09-2009, 09:15 AM
or just take it to a bike shop and pay them $5 to cut it.