Got myself a sheet of black abs sheet with a slightly naff (but fortunately, almost invisible) carbonfibre pattern on it. This is going to be cut into 2 wing protectors, so now I have 2 questions:

1. Once I've got my card template sorted, what's the best way to cut this stuff? It's about 2.5mm thick.

2. Does it sand down nicely to give a good edge finish?

ok - 3 questions!

3. What's the best way to fasten it to the wings? Pop rivets? nuts and bolts? (BTW: I hate self-tappers)

cheers,
David

my wing protectors are fixed using small(m4 IIRC) stainless countersunk bolts & nuts. cant help with the abs sheet sorry ive never used it.

1. It cuts nice with a hacksaw IMO - I've got a Half hacksaw blade in an old stanley knife for tight corners

2. It sounds down OK - just use a block with paper wrapped round it for uniform finish.

3. You could use adhesive for a clean look or just use Black 5mm Rivets.

Cheers,
Steve

[Edited on 10/8/08 by worX]

Aviation / tin snips work a treat.

Id do the same. Id cut it with a Jigsaw or hacksaw, then file it with a fine file, and dress with wet 'n' dry for a perfect finish. Id glue it on with PU glue tool

If its too thick/brittle for tin snips you can try and cut it with a jigsaw on a slow speed (too high and it will melt the sheet) using a sacrificial bed of styrofoam underneath it. It stays flat and the blade goes straight through both materials easily.

We've just sanded the dges of our carbon-fibre trims (the tiny threads of CF dont half stick in lovely soft pink skin!!) - they are secured using double-sided body moulding tape. Flexible, can be removed and replaced (unlike PU) with a little effort.

Steve

Steve,

Is that double-sided tape easy to find? For example, I know a good car painting supply place - is it the sort of stuff they'd sell?

Also - any brand names I can quote?

P.S. my stuff is pretend c-f finish on abs - so fibres are not a problem!

i use M4 stainless steel button heads.

start at one side and drill holes working to the other side so that the protector sits flush agasint the wing.


arch protectors

A band saw is the best way to cut it, it won't chip and gives a very smooth finish, then sand with wet and dry.

Don't stick it as you will at some point need to remove it.