Best way to cut carbon fiber (carbon glass)

[fourringpilot]

I have a Dali carbon glass Center console. How do I cut a hole for my single din unit? What is the best way to safely do this?

I read a thread when doing a search that had details for cutting through plastic console, but carbon glass would be different. I am concerned about "spider web" cracking around the cut. What have you guys done to make the cut?

 

[aluminiumdream]

i personally have never cut carbon glass, but i do know that to drill into glass you would use a carbide drill. So what i would use for this application is a 1/8 carbide drill to start the hole and to finish the hole larger a 1/8 end mill, preferably a four flute end mill. this way the shank will fit in a rotary tool, like a dremel. use high Rpm's too.

 

[swerve2007]

very fine cutting wheel does pretty well for straight cuts.
holes are very tough, a drill may sometimes shred the sides- i usually use a carbide drum on a dremel flex-hose after poking a pilot hole with another carbide. basically any 'fine grit/tooth' tool and high rpm does decent job.

 

[fourringpilot]

Thanks for the replies. I feel much more confident now. I will post pics once complete.

 

[syam]

when you do cut using a reinforced cutting wheel, please wear skin protection, eye protection, and a mask so you don't breathe in the dust generated from cutting the carbon. this stuff hurts/itches more than fiberglass and is pretty bad for you.

 

[Carbon]

when you do cut using a reinforced cutting wheel, please wear skin protection, eye protection, and a mask so you don't breathe in the dust generated from cutting the carbon. this stuff hurts/itches more than fiberglass and is pretty bad for you.

+1 especially on the mask, and don't skimp on one because you need an extremely high quality mask to filter out the carbon dust. The carbon dust is considerably finer than what most respirators can filter out so you might want to ask someone who knows more about different types of filter respirators what would be best, because this stuff can wreak havoc on your lungs.

 

[fourringpilot]

Good advice on the mask. I have some generic masks from autozone, but will get a quality one for this job. Thanks.