Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1993 14:58:00 GMT From: bausman@mcc.com (Marvin Bausman) Message-ID: <9303170958.A20780@outback.mcc.com> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Cutting Spar Material Fellow Kiters: As a novice at constructing my own kite, another question has arisen. What is the best method for cutting spar material (i.e. graphite, carbon, etc. tubing and rods)???? I had to trim those on my first kite (a stunt kite kit from Hang-em High) and I ended up using a Dremel Tool with a cut-off wheel. I can not say I was completely happy with the results. It turned out OK, but the edges where a little "ragged". Regards, Marv Bausman bausman@mcc.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1993 17:00:49 GMT From: sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) Message-ID: <1993Mar17.170049.13569@das.harvard.edu> Organization: Harvard University Subject: Re: Cutting Spar Material In article <9303170958.A20780@outback.mcc.com>, bausman@mcc.com (Marvin Bausman) writes: >What is the best method for cutting spar material (i.e. >graphite, carbon, etc. tubing and rods)???? The best method is to get an arrow cut off tool. This consists of a small motor that has an abrasive cut-off wheel attached. These things cut graphite, fiberglass and soft metal quickly and accurately. The only problem with these things is that they are expensive. I believe that I paid $60 for mine from a mail order archery catalog. Another method is to wrap tape around where the cut should be and then use a fine toothed hack saw to cut through. The tape keeps the end from splintering. I've also seen someone use a bandsaw with a metal cutting blade cut spars. -- Marty Sasaki Harvard University Sasaki Kite Fabrications sasaki@noc.harvard.edu Network Operations Division 26 Green Street 617-496-4320 10 Ware Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Cambridge, MA 02138-4002 phone/fax: 617-522-8546 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1993 17:00:49 GMT From: sasaki@netop3.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) Message-ID: <1993Mar17.170049.13569@das.harvard.edu> Organization: Harvard University Subject: Re: Cutting Spar Material In article <9303170958.A20780@outback.mcc.com>, bausman@mcc.com (Marvin Bausman) writes: >What is the best method for cutting spar material (i.e. >graphite, carbon, etc. tubing and rods)???? The best method is to get an arrow cut off tool. This consists of a small motor that has an abrasive cut-off wheel attached. These things cut graphite, fiberglass and soft metal quickly and accurately. The only problem with these things is that they are expensive. I believe that I paid $60 for mine from a mail order archery catalog. Another method is to wrap tape around where the cut should be and then use a fine toothed hack saw to cut through. The tape keeps the end from splintering. I've also seen someone use a bandsaw with a metal cutting blade cut spars. -- Marty Sasaki Harvard University Sasaki Kite Fabrications sasaki@noc.harvard.edu Network Operations Division 26 Green Street 617-496-4320 10 Ware Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Cambridge, MA 02138-4002 phone/fax: 617-522-8546 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1993 20:09:39 GMT From: Darrin.Skinner@ebay.sun.com (Darrin Skinner) Message-ID: <9303172009.AA06797@stuntkite.EBay.Sun.COM> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Re: Cutting Spar Material -] Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1993 14:58:00 GMT -] From: bausman@mcc.com (Marvin Bausman) -] Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University -] Sender: kites-request@das.harvard.edu -] Subject: Cutting Spar Material -] Content-Length: 779 -] -] Fellow Kiters: -] -] As a novice at constructing my own kite, another question -] has arisen. -] -] What is the best method for cutting spar material (i.e. -] graphite, carbon, etc. tubing and rods)???? -] -] I had to trim those on my first kite (a stunt kite kit from -] Hang-em High) and I ended up using a Dremel Tool with a -] cut-off wheel. I can not say I was completely happy with -] the results. It turned out OK, but the edges where a little -] "ragged". -] -] Regards, -] -] Marv Bausman -] bausman@mcc.com -] Marv, For large amounts of cutting there is a special saw for this stuff. It's like a table small table saw that uses water to keep the graphite/carbon/etc dust from flying around (and from melting the rod, etc.). These are expensive. For occasional use, I just use a hack saw. Get the finest blade (i.e. smallest teeth) you can and plan on replacing the blade often. I have tried other types of cutters and I keep comming back to the hack saw... it's the most convenient. For my travel (i.e. on the field) pack I carry a 6 inch long file. The triangular shaft type works well for cutting sticks. It can also be used to 'sand' the end if you need to. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1993 02:07:32 GMT From: savage@meo.dec.com Message-ID: <9303180207.AA00981@cassava> Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University Subject: Re: Cutting Spar Material A method that I have used to cut graphite is: 1. Mark the point of your cut. 2. Tape around the rod on both sides of the intended cut, and about 2mm (i.e. close to ) the cut. If you wrap the tape straight, this will give you a guide for the cutting step. 3. Working on a flat surface, take a triangular file and score a mark right around the circumference of the rod, using the tape as a guide. Then gently deepen the cut, working evenly around the rod with the file. 4. After completing the cut, remove the tape ... voila! This method takes a little patience, but you finish with a beautifully chamfered end, and no frayed fibers. And it's cheaper than an arrow-cutting tool ;-) Blue skies, BigAl = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: 18 Mar 93 07:25:21 GMT From: danr@crash.cts.com (Dan Rubesh) Message-ID: <1993Mar17.232522.16942@crash> Organization: CTS Network Services (crash, ctsnet), El Cajon, CA Subject: Re: Cutting Spar Material What I have found that works well for my limited spar cutting needs is an X-acto razor saw and small aluminum mitre box that I came across at a local hobby store. The razor saw blades have a reinforced back like a tennon saw, and are available in _very_ fine pitch. Carbon fibre and fiberglas are quite abrasive and wear the blades quickly, so a spare is a good idea. I also wrap some spars (like Beman) with a turn of masking tape to keep the material from splintering at the cut. An emery board purloined from spouse's purse makes a good de-burring tool :-) As I recall my total investment in the saw and mitre box is less than $12-15. The whole thing is small enough to fit in one of MLD's parts bags along with markers, sleeving fids, super glue, and all that other essential kitestuff. Good Winds and Tight Lines! Dan Rubesh Wind Wizard, Purveyor of UUCP: {ucsd, nosc}!crash!danr GO Stunt Kites & Accessories ARPA: crash!danr@nosc.mil FLY A P.O. Box 5747 INET: danr@crash.cts.com KITE! Ventura, CA 93005 (805) 859-5654 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =