carbon fiber

[Orlando]

Hello everyone! I just purchased aftermarket carbon fiber foot rest guards. The problem is that the holes in the carbon fiber is smaller than the bolt. I dont have much experience with carbon fiber, what is the easiest way to "enlarge" holes without damaging the fiber? I have a dremel tool with bits, should this be used? Thanks

[DarkHorse675]

Fine grinder or sander on a Dremel should be OK - it's like fibreglass, so just be careful not to crack the resin. Wouldn't recommend drilling unless you have really sharp bits and a steady, gentle hand.

Or get smaller bolts? :wink:

[Will]

Smaller bolts would just rattle around in the bracket and fall out unless you managed to shrink the holes in the frame!

When drilling anything which has a tendency to fray, like fiberglass, I typically use a fairly new bit (meaning one I haven't abused for drilling steel, through nail infested plywood, etc.) and put tape on both sides of whatever I'm drilling to stabilize it. If possible, I put a block of wood behind the drilled part, but it isn't always possible. Using masking tape makes less of a mess on the drill bit than duct tape, but the adhesive still makes a gooey mess. Being steady and patient is far more important than doing it fast.

I assume this technique would work on carbon fiber, but I haven't ever had carbon parts of any kind, even after all these years of trying to go fast.

[Orlando]

Thanks for the reply, smaller bolts won't work due to the fact that is also supports the rear brake manifold as well. I will prolly use the dremel tool with the sanding wheel and shave some off!

[DarkHorse675]

1) I wasn't serious

2) Not being immediately familiar with the location, but it could work if they were long enough to use a nut on the back rather than the tapped threads

3) I wasn't serious!

[Orlando]

Ahhhhhh gotcha Darkhorse!!!

[955iryder]

Drill the holes with the drill running in reverse it wont crack the resin that way.

[Brooksie]

I have the Triumph dealies and I have to start the bolts through them before putting them on. Works OK.

[timabram]

The real problem with cutting carbon fibre.... Although most have hit the nail partly on the head, with the difficulty in not cracking the resin, is the fact that the fibres are pretty tough to cut in them selves.

The carbon fibre woven fabric is relatively easy to cut at 90 degrees with a pait of scisors (before it's soaked in resin) but you're effectively holding it still with the existing resin and tryind to cut against the resin surface with a single blade.

Using a dremmel can work but don't try it wih an abrasive end ... you must use a cutting bit, using an abrasive the ege off the hole will just go furry.... (unless your'e very lucky) the resin breaks away and leaves the fibres

Used the sharpest hardest drill you can ...... cobalt for prefference... but a brand new HSS drill is a good idea.... BTW running the drill backwards the eghe of the carbon fibre will just fo furry and clog things up.


How do I know ...... I build high speed boats in carbon fibre for a living ! ....... Check out www.xsmgworld.com for a serious toy .....
(prices start at £1.2 million UK Pounds)

Have Fun.....

[TripleThreat]

Awesome boats...