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Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
https://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=42317		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Dave Sayers [ Sat Dec 28, 2013 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
Hello everybody and may I wish you all a happy New Year.

For various reasons I am interested in reading practical information from people that have used carbon fibre and carbon fibre mat, including cutting, laying and polishing. Initially I intend to make a banjo pot, and then use CF in a guitar, maybe in a way similar to Greg Smallman in America, although like all things this is subject to change. I do know that there are some instructions available online, but these tend to be the manufacturer kind where everything always goes well, rather like the instructions for removing a worn out wheel bearing. You know the kind of thing; 'Tap the old wheel bearing gently with a small hammer and a block of wood and it will drop out.' As I recall I ended up using a sledge hammer and some hefty swipes. I am after some real user advice on small to moderate size pieces, and with a particular emphasis on safe use.

My usual materials are solid tonewoods, and I do appreciate the qualities of these before anyone asks 'Are you sure you want to use CF?' The answer is yes, I thank you in advance for any help that is offered.
Author:  ernie [ Sat Dec 28, 2013 9:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
Dave , check the ANZLF lots more threads/ info on carbon fiber, there.
Author:  Stuart Gort [ Sat Dec 28, 2013 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
You've broached a very complex and broad subject, Dave. I spent 20 years doing R&D for my composite aircraft propeller business and doing projects for many brand name defense contractors. I covered a lot of ground from wet layup through computer automated ply cutting...and invented a number of processes.

But...you need to ask direct questions to get useful answers and move forward. I'll be happy to help but prepare for a long road to make a world class product like a banjo pot.

What experience do you have working with these materials?
Author:  Dave Sayers [ Sat Dec 28, 2013 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
Ernie, thank you for that link.
Stuart, nil experience with Carbon fibre, some with glass fibre, but then I'd never really built a guitar or done any woodwork before I made the first one. I thank you for your offer to advise, I shall be working very slowly on this project as I have more standard guitars to build, but if I should need a specific answer I will not hesitate to ask. Fortunately I have an area separate from my main workshop to use.
Many thanks for both of your replies.
Author:  Chris.Conery [ Sat Dec 28, 2013 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
Dave Sayers wrote:
in a way similar to Greg Smallman in America


You mean, of course, the Greg Smallman in Australia. :D
Author:  Dave Sayers [ Sun Dec 29, 2013 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
(Coughs) Yes, that Greg Smallman in Australia, as well as the less well known one in Bullblow Tennessee. Among other guitars that I have also looked at are Howard Kleppers, Todd Rose guitars and J (Hans) Brentrup.

Anyway, the research into carbon fibre continues and a mini abrasive cutter, discs and dust extractor attachment is winging its way to me even as I write and surprise, surprise, I actually found some composite tubes that must have fallen into my workshop after a summer boot sale.
Author:  Clay S. [ Sun Dec 29, 2013 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Carbon Fibre guitar/banjo
I've used carbon fibre in a lay up between sheets of wood veneer. It put small nicks in my jointer blades when I joined the backs. In a side layup it should eliminate the need for side tapes.
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