Cutting carbon fiber rods

[Fernando Esteves]

Hello!
I've some carbon fiber rods that I would like to mak thinner and narrower.
I know power tools goes dull in it and I just discovered laser won't cut it neighter...

Is there anyway to do it?
Thanks

[Barry Daniels]

Not really. A Dremel abrasive cutoff wheel can be used for cutting across the bar when shortening it, but I would NEVER try to cut it lengthwise. Just buy the size bar you need.

[Alan Carruth]

You can grind, sand, drill, and tap carbon rods, and cut them with a jeweler's saw, or (surprise!) a knife, but that's about it. They are not kind to any cutting tool, in any event. Do not try to run one through a power saw, joiner, or planer. If you need a custom size you could try making one using CF tow (loose fibers) available at hobby shops that cater to model airplane makers. It should be possible to get 'pre-preg': carbon fiber tape that has been pre-wetted with the right amount of heat cure epoxy; that's how most of the CF rods you get are made. Home-built aircraft folks use it (try Aircraft Spruce and Specialty), and you may also find it in model and hobby supply places. You'll need to rig a form of some sort to build up the tape and hold it while it's curing.