Actually a pair of $10 Fiskars shop shears works every bit as well on
Kevlar as my $50 Kevlar specials but my Olfa rotary cutter from the
local fabirc shop works best of all.

However, unless you have done some really sophisticated load analysis
carbon/Kevlar blends are not the way to go. You will only get
structural strenght in the warp direction and impact resistance in the
weft. More efficient to use all carbon cloth for structure and a
separate ply of kevlar for impact resitance.

Derek Hartmann wrote:
There are many marine manufactures who do use these blends of fabric. In
order to cut these fabrics, you will need Kevlar Shears. For more
information for the proper shears, check out this website:

http://www.specialtyshears.com

"Matt Langenfeld" wrote in message
link.net...

Has anyone worked with a carbon fiber/kevlar blend fabrics?
Not quite sure what to think of them.

Seems like it is a concept trying to combine 2 cloths with different
characteristics into an overall better fabric. Intuitively, it doesn't
seem right. That's just me though.

Anyone?


--
Matt Langenfeld
JEM Watercraft
jemwatecraft.com





--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

That's what I was thinking. Just might have to tinker with some vacuum
bagging.

Glenn Ashmore wrote:
Actually a pair of $10 Fiskars shop shears works every bit as well on
Kevlar as my $50 Kevlar specials but my Olfa rotary cutter from the
local fabirc shop works best of all.

However, unless you have done some really sophisticated load analysis
carbon/Kevlar blends are not the way to go. You will only get
structural strenght in the warp direction and impact resistance in the
weft. More efficient to use all carbon cloth for structure and a
separate ply of kevlar for impact resitance.

Derek Hartmann wrote:

There are many marine manufactures who do use these blends of fabric. In
order to cut these fabrics, you will need Kevlar Shears. For more
information for the proper shears, check out this website:

http://www.specialtyshears.com

"Matt Langenfeld" wrote in message
link.net...

Has anyone worked with a carbon fiber/kevlar blend fabrics?
Not quite sure what to think of them.

Seems like it is a concept trying to combine 2 cloths with different
characteristics into an overall better fabric. Intuitively, it doesn't
seem right. That's just me though.

Anyone?


--
Matt Langenfeld
JEM Watercraft
jemwatecraft.com

Matt Langenfeld wrote:

That's what I was thinking. Just might have to tinker with some vacuum
bagging.

Carbon is no problem byt Kevlar roving is very limp and will pull out of
shape very easily. Tighter weeve Kevlar is easier. The trick is to keep
a little tension on the fibers. When you cut it off the roll pull
lightly with one hand as you use the shears with the other. Move your
pulling hand along with the shears. When you have to cut an intricate
shape lay the cloth on a flat surface and clamp around the edges. I use
spring clamps and lengths of 1 x 1/4" batten. Draw out your shape and
go over it with the Olfa cutter.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Oh, and - lest I forget later - do NOT EVER sand Kevlar, or sand down to it
through the fairing bog.
Lots of little hairy strands will stand to attention and refuse to lie down
again. Horrid stuff....

Steve

I've heard that. I'd put a layer of 4 ounce or lighter cloth over the
top of the kevlar.

Stephen Baker wrote:
Oh, and - lest I forget later - do NOT EVER sand Kevlar, or sand down to it
through the fairing bog.
Lots of little hairy strands will stand to attention and refuse to lie down
again. Horrid stuff....

Steve