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How to properly file carbon fibre for quadcopter frame parts
#1
When filing carbon fiber, should I do it under running water, or in a bucket of water? Do I need gloves to protect myself against the filings? How do you ensure that the file doesn't immediately rust?
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#2
File is the best method. No need for gloves just do it outside and wear a dust mask. Even a bandana over your face is fine.

People freak out about cf dust but it's not that bad. Only if your running a cnc or something like that would I worry about the dust. I have to wear gloves or it will make my skin rash up .

I file around where the battery strap goes other than that I don't worry bout it .
I wear latex gloves and do it in a well ventilated area.
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#3
Wet methods are best. If you can prevent dust your a step ahead. Don't be fooled by people telling you it's not harmful. Protect yourself because where will these people be when and if it affects your health. Better safe than sorry.

I wear a half face hepa. I care about my health and nothing should be inhaled into your lungs but oxygen.
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#4
The resins in a lot of carbon fiber sheet will react with water, giving you ugly white marks all over your quad. If you're worried a normal dust mask will be fine. But unless you're snorting lines of carbon fiber dust, or sitting inside a closed CNC room, there isn't much to worry about.
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#5
my method of filing...
geta bowl of water, get rubber/latex gloves, get a face mask, get a set of files... go outside...

throw your carbon to water, wet the file do few brushes, wet again..
i've seen the color of water after filing - my personal preference let it stay in the water instead of my lungs Smile

do i need gloves... yes the small splinters are really a pain to get out of your skin
All the best
Grzesiek (Grisha/ Greg)

Curently flyable: Nox 5, Minimalist 112
Bench / in progres: fixing Nox 3,  Scrap
thinking about building: 450


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#6
I usually only file (and sand) when I have made a cut in the carbon fiber. I wear a mask and safety glasses while cutting and sanding. I am always leery about filing a nicely cut (by manufacturer) frame. Unless you have an extremely fine file, I think the file would introduce more stress fractures than already exist - if the frame is well made. If I ever do touch up a frame, I will only use a super fine grit (400 or 600) wet/dry sandpaper. That's what I finish up all of my cuts with.
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#7
I sand with 400 wet sandpaper under running water while wearing latex gloves.

If I need to drill, I also put on some drops of water to bind the dust while drilling with high speed and low force
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