[TowerTalk] Machining Fiberglass

[Bill Coleman AA4LR]

On 5/12/00 4:46 AM, Tom Wagner at tomwagner@mindspring.com wrote:

>
>I have access to some inexpensive fibeglass rods.  
>Are there safety issues in machining fiberglass?

Yes!

Fiberglass, when worked, tends to emit teeny little sharp particles of 
shattered glass fibers. Not to mention the little sharp particles of 
shattered epoxy resin. You don't want to breath these. They will lodge in 
the lining of your lung and stay there forever. Wear a respirator (not a 
paper mask, a respirator) when machining. Fortunately, the particles are 
rather heavy, and don't tend to remain suspended in the air long. Clean 
up the resulting dust with a shop vaccuum.

>Is fiberglass hard on tools?

Yes! It tends to wear away tool surfaces quickly. Use sharp drills and/or 
blades. 

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@radio.org
Quote: "Boot, you transistorized tormentor! Boot!"
            -- Archibald Asparagus, VeggieTales


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