Cutting CF tubing

[DaveT1]

I purchased a piece CF tubing to make an outer tensioning shroud for my FX Dreamline Tactical. Since the tube was $50 with shipping, I'd rather not screw it up.

I'm familiar with the safety precautions needed, but I'm interested in ways folks have accurately cut CF tubing. Also I'll be using a Donny FL moderator to tension the tube. Is there a specific number of threads on the barrel I should overlap with the CF tube?

Thanks for the input.

 

[indubitably]

Diamond cut off saw. Use a mask as the fibers are not healthy. If you have an indexing saw just fit a Diamond blade to it and get a good 90 degrees. Go slow or the heat will leave unsupported fibers. A tile saw with water would be good if you can get a good 90 degrees on it. You can sand it down with 100 or finer or finish off with fine grit sand paper if you need micro trimming. I have not done this for a gun, so some one else may chime in with gun experience. I have cut carbon plate and rods so know about the dust..

 

[Glem.Chally]

I put masking tape and an accurate circle all around with marker or pen. Then use an angle grinder and cut off wheel, as said above use a good mask.

Can square it up easily too if needed. If you have some type of chop saw for metal that would be best but an angle grinder will do well also.

 

[stoti]

I’ve done it exactly like Nathan with a piece of masking tape but I use a Dremel tool. If I have to touch it up at all, I use the Dremel tool for that too. Leave the maximum amount of threads, just be careful not to cut it too short. Here’s mine…the only thing I did a little differently is add a small nut that I ground down to almost fit inside the carbon tube. This way it tensions the barrel but I can remove the moderator without it messing up my accuracy or POI. It’s not difficult at all, just measure twice and cut once! 

Stoti

 

[biohazardman]

Yup I always use a Dremel with one of the thin cutoff wheels that way there is less dust as you are cutting away less material. Leaves a nice clean cut even better if you can spin it while cutting. Always wear the dust mask as the fibers are very nasty for you.

 

[DesertSilver]

If you get the fibers on your arms do not rinse off your arms with hot water. Use cold water to rinse off the fibers and I mean rinse. If you use hot water your pores will open up and the fibers will get into them and drive you nuts. I was a composite tech for 30+ years in aerospace. A big YES to the use of a filter mask. Try and use a n95 mask as it's the only one that will keep the dust from your lungs. A tile cutting saw will cut CF very well.

 

[vmaxpro]

Wet tile saw with a guide, gloves and mask everytime!

 

[DaveT1]

A really big Thank You to everyone who provided input!

After digesting all of your good ideas, I pulled up my big boy pants and had a go at cutting the tubing. Given that I had 2-3 mm of leeway, I measured the length 4 times to make sure I was on the money. I then built a simple jig to hold the CF tubing (see photo). All it is is two 3/4" emt clamps screwed to a piece of wood which was then clamped to my work bench. I added very small wedges between the EMT clamps and the tubing to hold the tubing firmly while still allowing the CF tubing to rotate. To get a fairly precise mark on the tubing I used a tubing cutter and lightly scribed a mark around the tubing. For the cutting I used a Dremel with a thin cutting wheel.

Before cutting the CF tubing I practiced on some 1/2" schd 80 tubing to make sure everything was working. Then came "The Moment". I donned enough PPE to qualify for a part-time job at Chernobyl, clamped the tubing in the fixture and cut away. After a quick buff on the table sander and cleaning, came the moment of truth. I slid the shroud on the barrel and it fit parfectly. The first time! That never happens to me...

There were two motivating factors to this project: To cut the CF tubing as precisely as possible. And not having to explain to my wife why I needed a second $50 piece of CF Tubing...

Thanks again to all who helped out. Airgun Nation rocks!

 

[stoti]

“not having to explain to my wife why I needed a second $50 piece of CF tubing”

That made me laugh out loud! Believe me, many of us here are married and feel you on that one! In this sport, there’s always something we “need” to buy or just “have to” get!

Glad it turned out well for you.

Have a good one!

Stoti

 

[joelayfield]

try a arrow saw if you have one or know someone