CF Mule Disks Now with images!!!

[yaesumofo]

Carbon fiber Mule disks.Hey guys ever since these were shown around here I have been VERY interested in figuring some of these out.
I orders a couple and they still haven't materialized.
So I went out and ordered some carbon fiber.
This place I went to had "off length short ends" anyway they were selling ch sheets which were rejects and left overs form orders.

So For like $20.00 I ordered some. When it came to shipping I got hit with sticker shock. it was another $15 or so. Anyway I figured I would get at least one piece of the stuff and worse came to worse I would just cut some disks.
When the Box cam I was surprised. I received at least 25 square feet I received different colors like blue and red Lots of black with a couple of different weaves.
Cool enough.
NOW what?

I have been researching how to deal with the stuff.
I have a friend with a shop that has a laser cutter. I will be trying that tomorrow. I have no idea how this is going to work.
I have a feeling that a water jet cutter may be a better choice.
Anyway I should have a bead on these pretty soon.
I will be having them cut pretty much exactly like the McPet disks.

If you guys have any suggestions on how to best cut these donuts I am all ears.
It seems like a very silly idea ...a decoration for a flashlight. Carbon fibre is cool stuff. I love it's strength and it's strange beauty.

My plan is to have as many made as is reasonable from one or two of these CF panels. How much of a demand could there possibly be for these?
Not much but this project is more about the fruits of desire and experimentation.

If I am able to laser cut these I will figure out what to do with them.
Anyway any ideas and suggestions are welcome but you better be quick because I am going to the laser shop tomorrow.
Yaesumofo

 

[kenster]

Re: CF Mule Disks

Yup, CF is cool stuff! :twothumbs

Here is a link to some cutters McGizmo posted in another thread.

 

[donn_]

Re: CF Mule Disks

I'd probably try a machined punch first. Set the material on a steel plate, place the punch and whack it with a hammer. If you use a softer anvil to protect the punch, you'll frazzle the fabric. They're sold as "shim stock" punches and are used for making your own washers and shims.

 

[yaesumofo]

Re: CF Mule Disks

I should have mentioned that these are rigid panels the epoxy has been applied and cured. The only thing to do now is cut the pieces to size.
I am very happy to NOT have to deal with the 2 part epoxies and the like it is very messy and I have no desire to become proficient at dealing with CF cloth panels.
The rigid panels are far easier to deal with. Worse comes to worse I can trace out the parts and cut them out with an exacto knife. I am quite sure that a laser or water jet cutter will be a great deal more efficient.
Yaesumofo

I'd probably try a machined punch first. Set the material on a steel plate, place the punch and whack it with a hammer. If you use a softer anvil to protect the punch, you'll frazzle the fabric. They're sold as "shim stock" punches and are used for making your own washers and shims.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Re: CF Mule Disks

OOH Blue CF disk!
I will have to get one of these.
Put me down