Date: Tue, 18 May 1993 08:32:19 GMT
From: nowak@wrcd1.urz.uni-wuppertal.de
Message-Id: <9305180832.AA18209@wrcd1.urz.uni-wuppertal.de>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: CARBON II

seams I rose some questions with my posting:
Ok, here the answers to your 'FAQ's:
0. what machine do I need?
   you need an elctric drill with adjustable speed. A right/left switch
   is usefull too -  but not neccesary ( I use a BOSCH)
   Speed adjust by pressing the trigger is what I like - but I won't
   claim it to be the perfect solution...

1. how is the end of the tube looking that is inside the drill?

  superb! You fasten the drill only that much that the tube gets some hold.
  You don't want to drill concrete with your carbon drill, do you?

2. how do you prevent the loose end from flying around?

   do the following:
      1. lay your electric drill on your work table
      2. raise it a little bit on the hand side , so that
	 the other end of the carbon rod touches the table
	 NO BENDING!

      3. increase speed very slowly , start with only a few revs per second
	 it is more like screwing than drilling
      4. put the knife against the carbon - hold the knife
	 in a position where the revolving carbon wants to move
	 forward (away from you)

	 one end of the knife is held against the table , too
     knife -->/
             /O <------- carbon rod
	 ===========<--- table
              <-
	      -> "direction of revolution "

         I use a knife for cutting carpets 
	 
	 
	 KEEP THE SPEED LOW - if you get a feeling for it increase
	 it a little bit - absolut maximum is something around
	 20 revs per second!!
         
      5. increase pressure of the knife
      6. when the rod is almost cut - DECREASE pressure and speed
	 
! REMENBER THIS METHOD USES SPEEDS IDENTICAL TO THOSE WHEN YOU  !
! WANT TO TIGHTEN/LOOSEN SCREWS  ( 1 to 20 rps )                !


I hope that makes it more clear - I tested this ONLY for carbon rods - if and
how you can cut other stuff like fibre of aluminium is not tested yet.

This method is more for those of you who have to cut carbon from time
to time- if you you are a professional kite-constructor you probably
will have your pro-cutter already.

        
J.P.Nowak


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