Cutting carbon fiber can be a difficult task without the right equipment. This post will help you cut your carbon fiber parts with low cost tools (some that you may already have in your garage), and do it without messing up the carbon fiber sheet you just bought.
Saftey First – Use Protection
Carbon fiber dust is an irritant and can cause itching if gets on your skin or difficulty breathing if you inhale it. Proper safety equipment will help prevent this. The following PPE is recommended.
Long sleeves or a Tyvek paint suit
Gloves, nitrile is ok, but leather or mechanic gloves are better when cutting or using power tools
Dust mask or respirator
Good ventilation, rigging a shop vac or using a downdraft table to collect the dust is better
Eye protection, especially when using power tools
Preparation
Spending a little time up front for good preparation is an important part of producing quality parts, and it will save time and frustration later. These following tips will help.
Tape Measure, remember to measure twice and cut once!
Masking or painter's tape, good for outlining where to cut, or allowing you to make more precise marks
Marking tool, a metallic silver Sharpie works great directly on the carbon fiber, or you can use a pen or pencil on top of the masking tape
Backing material helps get nice parts and reduce backside blow-out and splintering. You can use wood or rigid foam insulation to clamp your carbon fiber sheet to.
