Starting my carbon lay up

Builder's Forum
21

Well, after reading all the controversial opinions about the safety (or lack thereof) of cutting carbon fiber, I'm seriously considering scrapping that idea and doing a traditional wood or fiberglass coaming.  It isn't that I don't love the look of the CF but I'm not at all interested in finding out after the fact that I screwed the pooch (i.e., me) by inhaling fibers and causing lung issues (20+ years of smoking did plenty of damage, would rather not complicate things).

I appreciate all the reads and good advice; will let you know if I change my mind.

Larry

22

Larry,

go to the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page and you can download a Material Safety Data Sheet from Hexcel, a manufacturer of carbon fiber. There's a phone number on the MSDS so you can get the straight scoop from Hexcel.

http://www.robotcombat.com/store_carbon_fiber_faq.html

Let us know what you learn.

Mark

23

Mark, interesting read.  Seems that there's no toxicological issue with CF, the only problem lies with the small fibers released during cutting/sanding.  Of course, the end of their MSDS had a nice "disclaimer" paragraph, but I suppose that's standard.

I'm still contemplating..., hate for all that work to go to waste.

Keep ya posted, and thanks for the link/info,

Larry

24

I've been cutting the stuff for a while now with a dremel. I'll let you know if I craok in the near future from that before something else gets me. I fail to see how a particle respirator would not catch it if it worked for aesbestos that is known to cause other issues as well.

It's your call, but alot of people do it every day for a living and the way I see it, a one time shot is almost no risk.

25

Jay,

I think  you're on to something here.  After reading the Safety Data Sheet I'm prone to think that particle masks, gloves and a little common sense will go a long way.  Actually, I can't see how it's much different than fiber glass (which, when sanded, puts out gobbs of noxious dust/particles!).  I guess I decided that if I haven't killed myself with smoking, drinking, driving (occasionally) like a maniac and various shooting sports, I can probably cut one carbon coaming without dissastrous results.

Perhaps I'm being too O/C (obsessive/compulsive), which I am.  Next decent day I'll set up my fan, workbench, etc., outside and have a go at it.

Thanks (again),

Larry