Tooling for fiberglass?

[LVLAaron]

What's the best cutter to use on carbon fiber stocks:? Sharp steel made in USA cutters work well, for about 18 inches of material removal and get dull.

I'm fine using a "cheap" steel cutter per stock, but curious if these style carbide "composite cutting" tools are worth the rub, at 100 bucks each?

46099 End Mill Point Diamond Pattern Composite Cutting 1/4 Dia x 3/4 x 1/4 Inch Shank

Solid Carbide Composite End Mill Point Diamond Pattern Router Bits

www.amanatool.com

 

[itchyTF]

Do you have to use that style or could you use a “standard” end mill?

 

[CCM]

I've been using 3 flute carbide mills, they've been working pretty well.

Make sure you're using dust collection for CF.

 

[Paul Hilgedick]

I have used both solid carbide end mills and carbide tipped router bits. The CF does shorten life but I have done several channels before needing to be sharpened.

Paul Hilgedick

 

[Alex Wheeler]

You want a 3/8 solid carbide compression router bit. Non coated. A 3/8 ball end mill and a 1 3/8 core box are the only 3 tools you need to inlet a stock. Plus a drill bit for the pillars.

 

[LVLAaron]

Compression bit was the missing piece. Thanks y'all

 

[xr650rRider]

Speedy uses a diamond impregnated burr for trimming.

 

[LVLAaron]

Saw that. that's a good tool for that job.

I loved those vice jaws he used. Ordered a set of them.

 

[hpshooter]

"Make sure you're using dust collection for CF."

VERY IMPORTANT !! also use a very good respirator with particulate filters even if you are only doing small jobs. Once this stuff, even microscopic particles, finds its way into your lungs it is there forever. Same with fiberglass.

 

[LVLAaron]

Yep - I've always had the big shop vac right by any cutting and have a shop air cleaner going as well.