This is a shorty.
I have been working on the panels. All the cut-outs have been made on the sides, top and front; additionally, all the bevels have been completed for the previously mentioned pieces... oops.... actually I may have one more side-panel cut... I am still deliberating on that one.
The Carbon Fiber cut was succesful.
After surveying my work, I have some ideas about amalgamating carbon fiber and some other materials... I'm not sure what... it's all just churning around up in the attic like some clunky washing machine on the "Agitate" phase. The purpose of the amalgamation would not necessarily be strength alone, but aesthetics also. For the sole purpose of strength, see the next paragraph.
I also think that I will try to make the panels without the "bunting" (or whatever the call it)... looks like a diaper to me. One of the options is to "cross-lay" multiple pieces of carbon fiber. This adds depth, and more importantly strength and rigidity.
As I experiment I will continue to document my process and see if I can get enough decent material together for a FAQ or "How-to". Please bear in mind that it will be akin to the blind leading the blind.... or perhaps when I am done, "the Myopic leading the Blind" as I will have learned at least some small thing. -lol no offense to anyone, especially those that are experienced with CF; and for the latter, I welcome (implore even) that you toss your experience and wisdom into the pot - cause all I have to go on are short, grainy videos, heresay, and common sense... uh... well... two outta three ain't bad.
So... as I said, cutting was pretty easy. I used a carbid 2-Flute router bit. I was prepared for a valiant struggle, and for the blade to be torn to shreds... it held up fairly well. Also, the CF angle showed no signs of de-lamination when put under the stress of the router bit. I went as far as to try to pry the diaper off of the CF... no go. This is good news, as it was one of my lurking fears.
The big thing is the Dust. Major PITA... and very, very, very itchy. I only got it on the nape of my neck... but that was enough to get a taste of what bare arms and hands would feel like.... I don't recommend it.
I was very careful of the dust. I used a new vaccuum bag, and full resperatory protection, eye protection, and was fully covered... with the exception of the back of my neck.
Here is the table:
And this is what I ended up with:
As you can see the cut is clean, but there are small strands of CF sticking out.... I need to trim them.
This piece will not be used in this project. It was merely a trial run to see if I was able to work with CF safely and responsibly.
Thanks for taking a gander.
