I am new to the forum and have searched the site regarding cutting methods for CF. I didn’t find much about it and was wondering if the more experienced ones out there could give some INSIGHT to us less experienced.
What are your favorite methods/tools for thick vs. thin cured pieces and also for the mat itself? What can you not live without?
saws/blade types, shears, knives, dremel/bits ???
Thanks for your input and for a great forum !
Hi Dan,
Welcome to the forums. I started out using the dremel and still do from time to time. After a first couple of tries, you’ll find that cutting with a dremel requires a great deal of concentration and a good set of hands. It’s also very messy and you’ll have endless nights of intense itch all over your body. But that’s another story…
I try to make the cut while the resin is in the “green cure” stage. This is when the resin is set and hardening but it is still flexible. Any cutting and/or trimming should be done at this point using your basic tools such as a razor or a sharp blade of some sort. I don’t have a specific tool for this part, just whatever works. Once I made my trim, everything goes back to the vacuum bag and placed in the baking oven (not literally) for post cure.
Evan
I keep an old pair of heavy steel scissors that I use to cut/trim the cloth before wetting it out and putting it in the mold.
Other than that, I keep razor blades for green cutting and the dremel for edge work on cured pieces.
Someday, when I can afford it, I’m going to buy a water jet.