DIY Working With Carbon Fiber

[bigone5500]

I need to modify a couple pieces in my quad frame to accommodate a camera mount. I have never drilled or otherwise cut carbon fiber. I need to cut a couple slots and want to know the easiest way to get this done. I have many bits for a dremel but that may not be the best thing. A photo is attached showing what I want to accomplish.

 

[Admiral]

I've always used a Dremmel works great.

Make sure you use a dust mask, the dusk can cause respiratory problems in the long term so it's not worth the risk.

 

[bigone5500]

10-4

 

[Tony]

Drilling or cutting CF is just like metal, just mind that it is in fact fiber. So high rpm and go slow. No issue with a dremel. For slots like that, you would drill two holes per slot and then use the cutting wheel to cut out the slot. Then just use a file or sandpaper to finish it off. And if you think it is going to pull apart, use some extra thin CA to seal it up. I need to do this to my frankenquad build so I can adjust the camera angle. But that will have to wait until I get another Split board. Mine died....

 

[bigone5500]

No warranty on the board?

 

[Tony]

Playing the Chinese picture and video game.....

 

[bigone5500]

This is what I came up with.

 

[Tony]

Oh, I thought you wanted the slots that were already there. I didn't realize that was actually your picture. My bad.

To make a slot on the radius, you can use a round micro file and just be really careful. Or, like you did, you can just find an angle you like and drill a hole so then the camera can't move and will always be in the same place.

 

[bigone5500]

That's the only downside. I can't move the angle. I don't like the height of the pivot hole either. It has the lens touching the top plate. I'm not satisfied but I like the mount better as I have protection on the sides now.

 

[Tony]

Well in that case lower the front hole down and make sure to line it up with the slots that are already there.