[FoxCNC1]

Folks, I want to cut a 2d part out of 3mm Carbon firber sheet for the dash of my car.
I have read before that carbon fiber "is bad stuff". I have cut MDF in the past wish is considered also "bad Stuff" with a vacumm attachedment and a homemade dush shoe with not problem. There was no cloud of dush anywhere. I do have an Oneida Cyclone.

I was reading the some people prefer to cut Carbon fiber under water to keep the dust in the water. Is this absolutely necessary?
What are some precautions and things I need to be aware about before cutting a part in carbon.

Thank you.

[Louis_Cannell]

Carbon fibre dust is like any carbon if fine enough like for example Laser toner a standard vacuum cleaner filter is not fine enough to filter it, meaning the carbon can find its way into the motor and cause shorts & some spectacular firework displays can result. I have machined carbon fibre without problems only precautions of different approach I took was to sweep and collect majority of dust chips before vacuuming the remainder, you should not be creating clouds of carbon dust whilst machining unless trying to use a large bottom cleaner bit for some strange reason!

[elfrench]

Which is more important, your lungs or your car? Do you like to gamble?

[FoxCNC1]

Which is more important, your lungs or your car? Do you like to gamble?

My car.. hehe. I don't understand you statement. But please speak up if you have something to contribute that will help. I am thinking a water bed should address the problem and hold any particles. Don't you guys think?

[elfrench]

It shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Ask yourself what the dust from the carbon fiber will do to your lungs. Without a HEPA filter on your vacuum all you will be doing is putting the carbon fiber dust into the air where you'll be breathing it.

[warrenb]

I roll my portable router out doors and cut it there. Do some tests for feeds and speeds. I usually run a pretty low RPM and 60ipm or so. The dust does not fill the air. I don't blow it off with air but vacuum it up. I will use cheapo carbide tipped router bits 1/4 or 3/8 inch. Experiment with your stock because there's lots of variable with layups and the epoxy used.

[FoxCNC1]

It shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Ask yourself what the dust from the carbon fiber will do to your lungs. Without a HEPA filter on your vacuum all you will be doing is putting the carbon fiber dust into the air where you'll be breathing it.

Fine, fair statement. Now what if I cut underwater - in a tub. ?
Is this still a possible solution and is safe?