What is the best tool for cutting a carbon exhaust cannister?

**mma01** · 11-08-2008, 01:24 PM

What tool will minimize splintering and providing the cleanest cut on carbon fiber? Dremel? air grinder with a 4" abrasive disc? fine tooth hacksaw?

**DJM** · 11-09-2008, 10:23 AM

Don't do it man. CF is like asbestos. Really bad for your lungs. So is the resin that coats it. Plus the fibers can get into your skin. Is this for a muffler? Can you buy a replacement panel?

**mma01** · 11-09-2008, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

Don't do it man. CF is like asbestos. Really bad for your lungs. So is the resin that coats it. Plus the fibers can get into your skin. Is this for a muffler? Can you buy a replacement panel?

Thanks for pointing out the safety aspect of it. I do have an AOS respirator that is rated for asbestos.

I have a hindle carbon slipon that I am considering converting to a shorty style can.

**CBRJOHN** · 11-09-2008, 11:42 AM

I've had good luck cutting Carbon Fiber with a Diamond Blade on a Wet Tile cutter. Tape it up with Masking tape to protect the surface.

WEAR A RESPIRATOR !!! The short fibers and resin are nasty. Wet Cutting also helps keep fibers from becoming airborne.

**ninja44** · 11-09-2008, 12:08 PM

I thought about shortening mine too but don't have the balls to cut my new Akra lol.

**mma01** · 11-09-2008, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by CBRJOHN

I've had good luck cutting Carbon Fiber with a Diamond Blade on a Wet Tile cutter. Tape it up with Masking tape to protect the surface.

WEAR A RESPIRATOR !!! The short fibers and resin are nasty. Wet Cutting also helps keep fibers from becoming airborne.

Good idea! Never thought about using a wet tile saw (which I have).

Any tips for drilling carbon fiber or is it fairly straight forward?

**mma01** · 11-09-2008, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by ninja44

I thought about shortening mine too but don't have the balls to cut my new Akra lol.

hehe. I guess I'll be the guinea p.ig on this one. I'll call you over when I decide to do it.

**weldingglover** · 11-09-2008, 12:46 PM

I cut mine down twice hindle slip on carbon fiber just using Zip Disk and my 4 1/5" or 5" grinder. make sure you have tape so you see a straight line and don't tear it all up to. its not hard at all hardest part is drilling holes for the rivets again , take your time and it will be all good

**ninja44** · 11-09-2008, 12:48 PM

A lot of guys I know have used a dremel with a metal cutting disc and say it doesn't appear to fray as it spins fast enough. Drilling carbon is not a biggie. I'll be there! I may have to do mine also lol!

**weldingglover** · 11-09-2008, 12:51 PM

Just making sure you know where the holes for the rivets go thats all.

**mma01** · 11-09-2008, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by weldingglover

I cut mine down twice hindle slip on carbon fiber just using Zip Disk and my 4 1/5" or 5" grinder. make sure you have tape so you see a straight line and don't tear it all up to. its not hard at all hardest part is drilling holes for the rivets again , take your time and it will be all good

Thanks for the tips!!! Did you like the sound afterwards? I find my hindle highmount super quiet.

**weldingglover** · 11-09-2008, 12:59 PM

No mines still sounds good, didn't take no baffling out just shortened it up about 1" to fix the high side i had not to long ago. and a little packing came out, still think it sounds the same.

theres my hindle stock just shortened it up about and inch