scratch on carbon fiber

rico · #1

I just purchased a caron fiber Cricket. It has a very light scratch on the handle. Any suggestions on what to use to buff it out. Thanks

panguero · #2

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Edited by - sharp1 on 2/19/2002 2:50:04 AM

rico · #3

I was thinks about using scratch out (this is used in car paint for light scratches). I have used this on older fountian pens made of celluloid and other early plastics!!

Sword and Shield · #4

Sharp1- I would be very wary of sanding down the scale. Carbon fiber dust is extremely hazardous.

As for scratch removal, apply shoe polish or wax, wipe. Repeat. The wiping ensures that only the crack is filled in.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

Hoosierdaddy · #5

I use to work in tooling industry (aircraft jigs, fixtures, and tooling) I laid up graphite (carbon fiber) The dust is not so bad as previously stated. You must determine how deep the scratch is. If it's not to deep and there is a good coat of resin or clear sealer you can sand it using some wet-dry #1000 grit sandpaper with water. You have to use your best judgement because if the graphite is near the surface you'll burn through and show the fiber. And thats not good. You might take some 2 part epoxy that dries clear and fill with that. But be careful as well. Good luck!

panguero · #6

XX

Edited by - sharp1 on 2/19/2002 2:50:36 AM

Sword and Shield · #7

I wasn't saying that carbon fiber was toxic, because it's about as toxic as charcoal. I was just passing along some advice I heard about being wary of the dust, as it can accumulate in your lungs.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

panguero · #8

Since I work in the composites industry I get a little excited when I hear the CF warnings go up. Like you said-charcoal. Most fiberous materials generate dust when sanded or pulverized and they are all bad for your lungs. There are some real bad actors in the Wood catagory too.

My post was meant as general knowledge on the CF topic. I hear misinformation on this topic all the time. I did not think you specifically were ignorant or anything (see the edit).BTW- There is a product line of polishes named McQuire's Mirror glaze. They make a kit for polishing plexiglass (clear plastic) and it is a series of abrasive media and polishing compounds and instructions on step-polishing plexi.That kit would be the hot ticket to resurface a knife scale to a bright and shiney look, as long as you did not fall through the resin layer as Hoosierdaddy commented already.

Hoosierdaddy · #9

One more thing, first off Sharp 1 is probably right polish don't sand. I gave that advice for more options. The small amount of "dust" will be minimal. Sword and Shields advice is good (always be overly cautious when working with materials you have no experience with). It's best to have M.S.D.S. (material safety data sheets). They will tell you all the hazards you could incur. Carbon fiber is susceptable to Ultra-Violet light (sunlight). So don't leave it in sunlight. It will never be stressed in that capacity. Breakage should not be a factor. Just thought I'd pass it along. A respirator should be used when grinding-sanding large amounts of CF. I'm not dis-sing you Sharp 1 but I don't want people thinking there safe with a particle mask. A particle mask is just what it says. For larger particles, a respirator like a painter would use is best. A particle mask does not provide proper protection around nose seal. One more non relevant item, asbestos will take twenty-four hours to settle eight feet. What that means is if I drop a fiber of asbestos at the ceiling in a room with an eight foot ceiling it will take twenty-four hours till it hits the floor. I took an asbestos awareness class and thought some one out there might find that interesting! Oh yeah Mcquires is spelled Meguiars and they make excellent polishes

Ashram · #10

Where were you guys able to get a carbon fiber Cricket?? Please i would love to know. Or maybe where one could get an Tufram/Almite Cricket. Thanks all.

panguero · #11

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Edited by - sharp1 on 2/19/2002 2:51:06 AM

Hoosierdaddy · #12

Sharp 1, ever heard of Harbor Patterns? They have been around since 1958, originally located in Harbor district (hence name). Moved to Los Alamitso Ca. They are supposed to be best **** tool makers around. (general consensus) Not that I had anything to do with that! I worked for them back in 88 to 90. That's where I draw my "experience" from. I always wished they would buy a waterfall to grind in front of!! A waterfall, for those who are curious is a wall of recirculating water that you blow air into in front of what you are grinding-sanding. The water traps the particulate matter and filters it out. You did say minimal and again just wanted to expand on subject.

panguero · #13

XX

Edited by - sharp1 on 2/19/2002 11:11:31 PM

Hoosierdaddy · #14

Never heard of but I'm out of that industry for now. In the Personal Watercraft and Dirt Bike industry. Manufacture and sell parts now. Good talking with you, always nice to hear someone who knows what there talking about! Most people on hear sound knowledgeable. A real cool site!!