How Should I Cut a Carbon Seat Post ?

[BOR]

I want to reduce the seat post length, but no experience cutting carbon fibre. Can I just wrap some tape a round it and use a hacksaw ?

Ta.

[Parsnip]

Best way to do it is to let a shop do it.

If you are set on doing it yourself either get a hacksaw with very fine teeth, or a special carbon blade. If you dont have a cutting guide, build up a load of tape either side of the cut to keep it straight and dont breathe the dust/fibres.

[mk1fan]

Hit it with a hammer.


On a more constructive note - Yes, you can cut is with a hacksaw. However, there has been press about the dust this creates being the new 'asbestos'. Not seen anything further on this but wear a mask and use some lube whilst you're cutting just to be on the safe side.

[timnoyce]

the new asbestos... oh good. The amount of carbon dust I have eaten whilst sanding my carbon boat is ridiculous compared to cutting a seat post!

If you have an angle grinder with a metal cutting blade then they are pretty good at cutting the carbon too. Tape it so that you can mark it all the way round, and be careful to cut it slowly and try and support the end you are cutting off so that it doesn't split and break away as that will leave you with a splintered finish. You can then just file the end smooth when you are done.

If you are holding it in a vice, be careful not to over tighten it, and would be best if you packed it out with a cloth so as not to scratch it or it will look a bit crap.

[BOR]

Thanks, guys.

I'd like to try it myself, but I can see this being another test of my delegating skillz.

[M400 NBL]

I don't suppose a decent pipe cutter will do the trick? No dust either. Or is cf too hard?

[matt-ITR]

You can do it yourself, but buy the correct blade for your hacksaw.
They are not mega expensive (although some are). You don't need a carbon fibre specific blade, just the one that doesn't have teeth.

[Nick_F]

PM10 particulates from diesel exhausts are the new asbestos.

Using a hand tool on carbonfibre or GRP is unlikely to create particles that fine, but using an angle grinder might do.

[mat205125]

mk1fan said:

Hit it with a hammer.

I was going to reply simply with:

"Across"

[neil_bolton]

I understand, and I may be wrong, that a bathroom tile hand cutter/saw (the ones with the toothless blade) will be perfect for them. As mentioned, it needs to be toothless.

[Bosshogg76]

As has been mentioned be wary of the dust involved with cutting you seat post, and more importantly ensure you use the correct tools for the job.

http://www.carbonmods.co.uk/Departments/Fabric--Re...

For the sake of a few quid it will save a possible carbon fibre enema should it snap, due to unseen delamination caused by cutting the post with the wrong tools.

[mikee boy]

Unless you're unable to use it at its current length I wouldn't bother with the effort.

[AJAX50]

However you cut it, seal the end with epoxy to prevent electrolytic corrosion if water gets down there.

[khushy]

AJAX50 said:

However you cut it, seal the end with epoxy to prevent electrolytic corrosion if water gets down there.

+1 for the glue

and there is absolutely NO NEED for a special HS blade - all thats needed is a bit of extra care and attention - getting a cutting guide is a good investment IMHO - make life SIMPLES

khushy

[Bosshogg76]

khushy said:

AJAX50 said:

However you cut it, seal the end with epoxy to prevent electrolytic corrosion if water gets down there.

+1 for the glue

and there is absolutely NO NEED for a special HS blade

khushy

WRONG, but carry on it's your arse.

[CanAmSteve]

Here's an excellent tutorial I found http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/Composites-Tutoria...