I'm new at working with these materials. Any safeguards and suggestions would be appreciated.

Do you have to work either of them wet?

What knid of dust mask is acceptable, how good of a dust collecting system is essential?

Are either of them so dangerous that it'd be wise not to even work with them?

Just a few questions that I have, and have been asked.

Thanks - to anyone who's in the know and would be willing to share.

Steve, although I have not worked with G-10, I have used carbon fiber. A respirator is a must, and good dust collection as well, but I have not found it necessary personally to wear gloves. I have heard some folks say you should, because the fine fibers can work their way into the pores of your skin and cause itching/rashes, but, as I said, this has not been the case for me.

I cut the material with a metal cutting bandsaw, and have found that it can be drilled easily with cobalt bits. Grinding, I handle it the same as micarta. I like it very much.

Thanks a lot, Don. I feel better about proceeding now.

Do you cut on a slow speed band-saw, or higher speeds?

Thanks again.

Slow speed. I don't think I'd try it on a wood-cutting machine.

Second that!...I cut (or tried to)a piece for a handle...and the CF dulled the bandsawblade in seconds...So much it could cut NOTHING.

It is pretty rough on drills but it is quit easy to work with grinder...pretty soft.

Thanks, guys. That's the kind of help, even money saving help, we need.

I appreciate your advice. I will follow your advice!

I'm going to do one of my Art Knife Invitational knives with C.F.

Will post a pic after the show. Assuming I've got the brains to make it! New stuff for me, let me tell ya.

I just visited wit a maker who is VERY hesitant to even use C.F. Does anyone know where this stuff is manufactured?

Maybe they'd have some recommendations for working it....it might be worth investigating.

Steve, I think we have enough collective history working with carbon fiber that I am very comfortable working it with reasonable precaustions. I used to build fly rods out of the same stuff for years. No problem.

Thanks, Don. You're we appreciate your insight.

I emailed, before Don responded, a composite user in SLC and got this response:

Steve,
Carbon fiber is no worse than g10 or micarta. It is not a cancer causing substance. It is an irritant dust that is electrically conductive. You
should machine it "wet" with water.
Good luck.
Brian

Off we go, dust mask and Torit in hand......being very careful as we grind this stuff.

This response to my question about C.F and G10 to a guy in L.A. who makes lots of C.F. Street Luge accessories, "DocGoFast:" You can read about him, Street Luging and links to the gear he makes at:

www.dr-gofast.com/luge1.htm (http://www.dr-gofast.com/luge1.htm)

(Not that many of you guys are into "street luging," I'm sure, nor am I, but he has certainly had a lot of experience with carbon fiber)!

"Steve,

The response that Brian had left you with is pretty much on the money. The only other thing that I would add to that is that carbon fiber dust is a big skin irritant, and all "practical" measures should be taken to minimize contact with exposed skin.

Good luck and let me know how it works out.

-Doc-"

Thank you, Doc!