Official Luthiers Forum!

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.

Dave , check the ANZLF lots more threads/ info on carbon fiber, there.

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?

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

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.

You mean, of course, the Greg Smallman in Australia.

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http://coneryguitars.com

Kill your television!

(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.

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.