Drilling carbon Fiber

[kellymc]

I was thinking about drilling out this hole in my hand guard to 1/2 inch and installing this Quick release stud. Thought I might add some 3m epoxy to the drilled area and the stud making them one piece. Is drilling a hole out to 1/2 a bad idea and will I ruin the hand guard

Edited May 30, 2014 by kellymc

[Czhase]

I think a 1/2 drill would damage the carbon fiber. Open up the small hole to 1/2" with a carbide dremel bit.

[Jamiethesquid]

A special bit is available for this, a diamond coated ceramic / glass tile bit from Lowes / Home Depot works pretty good in my experience, also a hole can be opened up using a cone shape grinding stone in the dremel. CAUTION!!!! Breathing the carbon fibers in can be VERY bad for your health, Do it outside and wear a respirator!! Seriously!!!

[kellymc]

Thanks for the reply's. I've got to get more serious about my heath. I'm reading these post between applying coats of paint on a 2012 ford and I haven't seen my respirator in two days

[MarkCO]

For a flush cup the Nordic is a better solution and you won't have to drill the hole larger.

[Toolguy]

You want to drill with an abrasive tool like a diamond core drill, then bond the drilled fibers back together. Epoxying the stud into the hole is a good way to do this.

[jmorris]

I put all of the holes in this one with two flute HSS end mills, without any problems.

[kellymc]

Well I went ahead with items I already had. Used this 1/2 countersunk bit .The hole took just a minute to drill used 3m 8115 panel bond to hold it . Will see how it works

Edited June 2, 2014 by kellymc