- Joined
- Nov 3, 2017
- Messages
- 109
Hi all,
I recently invented, patented and now ramped up production of a unique material that I originally intended for guitar fretboards, but realized the knife scales are an even better application.
I take unidirectional real carbon fiber, multi-layer it for 1/8" up to 3/8" thick (testing 1" now) and mold it into the wavy texture of real wood figure like Flame (think curly maple), Quilt, Sausage Quilt, Angelstep, Bee's Wing Mottle, Burl, etc.
I drew the molds in CAD based on top 5A grade figure, and CNC machined molds to press the CF, then cook it in my custom made 5 ft x 12 ft ovens under special platens. Then I diamond machine the panels to spec thickness.
Here is the amazing part: The figure goes all the way through, regardless of how much is machined off during shaping / rounding into scale shapes - just like real wood, because its constructed exactly like real wood. Then the chatoyance of the "figure" is actually greater than that of real figured wood, because CF reflects light better. It almost looks transparent, the way the light dances its 3D effect (watch video below).
The finished panels are guaranteed void free due to my 17 years experience laminating exotic dichroic glass and resin composites for commercial architecture, and I utilize four separate proprietary steps to eliminate air pockets.
The panels polish up to high luster just like normal top grade woven CF.
Its called Figured Fiber™ Chatoyance panels and top end makers are currently using it. Not sold to general public at all, due to hazards of machining CF, so if you want custom scales made from this material, have your local knife / scale maker order from me and craft a set for you.
If you are a maker, then scale blanks (1.5 x 5.5") sell for $60.00 per pair for .160" + to try it out, but I make 20" x 52" master panels in which 9.8" x 15" single sq ft blocks or 1/3 sq ft (5.5 x 9.8) are sold as minimum order. PM or email - dichrolam at att dot net.
I recently invented, patented and now ramped up production of a unique material that I originally intended for guitar fretboards, but realized the knife scales are an even better application.
I take unidirectional real carbon fiber, multi-layer it for 1/8" up to 3/8" thick (testing 1" now) and mold it into the wavy texture of real wood figure like Flame (think curly maple), Quilt, Sausage Quilt, Angelstep, Bee's Wing Mottle, Burl, etc.
I drew the molds in CAD based on top 5A grade figure, and CNC machined molds to press the CF, then cook it in my custom made 5 ft x 12 ft ovens under special platens. Then I diamond machine the panels to spec thickness.
Here is the amazing part: The figure goes all the way through, regardless of how much is machined off during shaping / rounding into scale shapes - just like real wood, because its constructed exactly like real wood. Then the chatoyance of the "figure" is actually greater than that of real figured wood, because CF reflects light better. It almost looks transparent, the way the light dances its 3D effect (watch video below).
The finished panels are guaranteed void free due to my 17 years experience laminating exotic dichroic glass and resin composites for commercial architecture, and I utilize four separate proprietary steps to eliminate air pockets.
The panels polish up to high luster just like normal top grade woven CF.
Its called Figured Fiber™ Chatoyance panels and top end makers are currently using it. Not sold to general public at all, due to hazards of machining CF, so if you want custom scales made from this material, have your local knife / scale maker order from me and craft a set for you.
If you are a maker, then scale blanks (1.5 x 5.5") sell for $60.00 per pair for .160" + to try it out, but I make 20" x 52" master panels in which 9.8" x 15" single sq ft blocks or 1/3 sq ft (5.5 x 9.8) are sold as minimum order. PM or email - dichrolam at att dot net.
