Here are the following replies I have received up to now in response to my
post:
To all:
Does anyone know of a good cutting tool or blade to use on carbon laminate
pylons; particularly when fitting out in the field.?? I have been using a
cast cutter but the blades naturally do not last more than two or three
pylons. A tubing cutter doesn’t work as the fibers start to fray. I have
also tried small hand saws with carbide blades but the cut isn’t perfectly
90 deg to the length possibly resulting in movement between the pylon and
adapter after a while. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated and
reposted.
Eric Schwelke, C.P.O.
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
I cut a groove with a tubing cutter, just enough to make it 90 degrees, and
then cut it with a hacksaw. Not ideal, but not to bad.
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
Regarding your request for a cutting blade that will cut carbon fiber
laminate; Sample Marshal Laboratories, Inc. of Lyndhurst NJ manufactures
diamond edged blades.
They can be reached at 800-323-7695.
The website is www.samplemarshall.thomasregister.com
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*One way to cut a 90 degree is to make a jig that will clamp the tube and
into a vise and using a hacksaw with appropriate blade, to cut the tube at
the end of the jig, something like the endolite has, also to score the tube
with attune cutter as a guide would help. If you are in an institution that
has a rehab engineering dept. get them to mill it or put it in a lathe. Hope
this input helps.
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
I have done this in the past and it works well.
Wrap masking tape around the pylon in the neighborhood
of where you want to cut. Mark the correct length. Use
a tube cutter just to score around the pylon at the
right length. Cut with a new hacksaw blade, hand file
edge and remove the tape.
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
Eric, you might want to try using a Diamond Chip cast cutter blade.
It is made for Fiberglass and Carbon Composites. It is part number
14-1741. There is also the Carbide cast cutter blade and it is designed
to cut cured graphite composites. It’s part number is 14-1743. You might
want to check price first and be sitting down when you do. Call
Pel Supply and ask for Al. 1-800-321-1264
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
Eric, try using pieces of old metal pylons and cut them up to get the exact
length. Then cut your carbon fiber pylon to match the metal tube that you
can reuse.
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
Ohio Willow Wood has a metal cutting jig for their Heavy Duty Magnum line
that secures the pylon while cutting with a hack saw. It does however
require
that you clamp the holder in a vise while making the
cut.************************************************************************
*****
****************************************************************************
*
We have made a complete set of carbon pylons in 1/4″ increments which we
carry out. The ones that are used are replaced when we return to the
lab.************************************************************************
*****
****************************************************************************
*
Hack Saw…Mini handle probably wouldn’t work well. As for teeth I will have
to check
but I think 24 or 32
****************************************************************************
*
****************************************************************************
*
More to come.
