How to Cut Carbon Fiber Cloth

Carbon fiber cloth is made of fine strands of carbon threads that are woven together into a mesh-like fabric. The material is durable when coated with a hard resin, and is used in a similar way to fiberglass. Carbon fiber cloth has a variety of uses including constructing model cars, boat paddles and a variety of other hobby crafts. Cutting carbon cloth requires nothing more that household cutting tools.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pliers
• Scissors or sewing shears
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Unroll the carbon fiber cloth and use a tape measure to locate the proper length that you need for your project. Hold your finger at the location and set aside the tape measure.

2. Grasp one of the small threads at the edge of the fabric with pliers.

3. Place one hand firmly on top of the cloth and pull the piers away from the cloth with the other hand to remove a single strand of the material. When you are done, there should be a gap all the way across the carbon fiber in the location where you need to cut it.

4. Cut along the gap in the carbon fiber cloth with sharp scissors or sewing shears until you reach the other side and the cloth separates into two pieces.

5. Repeat the process to cut the desired width of the carbon fiber cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to wear rubber gloves when cutting carbon fiber cloth, since the particles can cause minor skin irritation.

References

• Hunter Dogs: Molding Your Own Carbon Fiber Components
• YouTube: How To Make Your Own Carbon Fiber Parts