drilling CF

E

elementfe

Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
1,436
Would anyone like to share tricks for cleanly drilling Carbon Fiber handle material?
I'm using some very dense aerospace CF (first time working with CF) and even with a backer it has a tendency to tear out and flake as the bit comes through....the usual precautions aren't preventing that.

I don't think I'll do more after this production run- my whole shop has a fine dusting of CF everywhere, despite working as wet as possible. Even if you vacuum it up, you still have to empty the bin, or it's all over outside the vent of the shop...probably no worse than using Padauk or Cocobolo, but at least that stuff is Organic and Natural, right? :)
Yuk...
 
I think you need a different style drill bit. The same reason you should use different bits for aluminum and brass, vs. steel

You could regrind your bit if you want.
 
My manufacturing teacher did his PHD in machining composites and suggested brad point style bits were the way to go. They cut from outside in which minimizes tear out. Regardless of the material of the bit, cf will kill bits very quickly.
 
Thanks for the info, Stacy and Boo!

Next time I'll probably just use a pattern with 1/16" holes and drill from both sides once the handle scales are on.
This time I got in trouble because some of the holes were pre drilled on one side only and thus I had to go full size from the inside out.....poor planning, but I can get away with it on most woods.
 
Be very careful - get a really good resperator and dust collection system !!
 
Thanks, Mete.
I do have a respirator, and change clothes before coming inside....gloves, eyes, etc., mostly ground wet... It still gets all over the shop.
 
CF isn't used in my shop AT ALL anymore. I only posted because if you do it, you should use the best method. I have read that diamond burrs also work well.
 
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