Carbon Question

[D.A. Davis]

I've a question about using carbon in your limb laminations.  I've read where you generally do something to raise the surface (hacksaw blade drawn evenly down the surface) of the parallels and tapers so that the adhesive will have something to grab hold of.  Beings that carbon is sanded on both sides and any attempt to raise the surface of the carbon could result in the damage of the carbon fiber and the eventual seperation of the fibers and probable failure of your limb laminations, is there anything that you would do to help with the adhesive's ability to adhere to the carbon on both sides while in the limb laminations?

[mq32pa]

D.A. I havent used carbon, probably because of price and I'm still in the early learning stages bit I would assume that you would have to do nothing if it is allready sanded. It should be just like the outer glass that you would be using. I'm sure if you contact a supplier (Binghams, OMC,or anyone that sells it) they would be able to answer.

 John

[bjansen]

D.A. If the carbon is sanded both sides (like that obtained from Binghams) you do not have to rough up the surface...It will work just fine as is (just like the sanded one side glass).

In fact even most wood laminations made by Binghams (and i assume made by others in a similar fashion) are milled with with a low grit (36-60 it appears), and I feel no need for additional hacksaw work on them either.  

The only time i will raise the surface on anyting prior to glue up is on items sanded/milled with paper greater than 80 grit.  

Best of luck.