Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
(OP)
I'm planning on making some 1/2" carbon fiber tubes 3' long, 1/8" wall, and want to cut it down to 6" lengths. I have a mini-lathe, but I'm not sure what would be the best tool for the job.
Suggestions?
Suggestions?





RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
For which purpose you might look at adapting a small abrasive chop saw to ride on the cross slide.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
You will not have to stop the tool and rechuck for every cut. Technique is important to get good results though. Rotate the tube as you cut to avoid brooming the fibers where the blade exits the cut. Support the tube on both sides of the blade with a wood fence that you can cut into. this prevents the tube from moving as you finish the cut.
RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
Compositepro: I think I see what you're saying. I've found a small table saw I like that I will probably use once I start production. I'm just prototyping right now.
This is the saw: http://w
They have a diamond blade for it as well.
RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
I do definitely know someone who has a chop saw. Not sure how well that would work, though. I would still need to rotate the shaft, of course.
RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?
Only problem I see is you need to make a side support for your parent tube.
RE: Cutting carbon fiber tubing on a lathe?