Cutting a headstock to length.

[saab9002]

Good evening everyone,
First post
I am in the process of building a hybrid bike, and would appreciate some advice
on cutting a carbon fibre headstock to length, I have tried out, much higher up
than the final cut to "part"it using a copper pipe cutter and have successfully
managed to score it full circle. Would this be considered to be a safe way of
cutting it or is there a better method?

regards Chris

[Valbrona]

You take your chance if you do it freehand following a mark. A better idea would be to use white electrical or masking tape, put your mark on that and cut. The tape helps to give a clean cut. But difficult to cut a tube straight even following a mark.

Steerer tube cutting guide is the right way of doing it, or electrical chop off saw.

Straighten up end of steerer with fine file.

[fatboy]

Why not leave it uncut? I don't cut any of mine as I figure that as I get older I will need to raise the bars.

A mate wanted me to cut down his fork and I was reminded why I don't do this!

[rjb]

I wouldn't cut carbon fibre with a pipe slice meant for copper tube. it may be ok to score a line which you then cut with a saw. That's my personal opinion. Btw.

[tim-b]

Hi
Two potential problems with a copper pipe cutter: that rolled edge that you see on a cut copper pipe might not be ideal on CF, and how easily can you trim 2mm off?
Most people would use a hacksaw with a fine blade. I put a wrap of masking tape around to give me a line to work to, support the fork on a flat surface padded to protect the paint and work my way around with the saw cutting deeper on each rotation of the fork rather then cutting through from one place like I would with wood
Support the two pieces while cutting, like wood CF will splinter if you're not careful
Clean up with a fine file or abrasive paper and in common with most materials don't breathe the dust in / blow it away
Regards
tim-b

[Peter F]

Not carbon, but I've cut steel head tube with a hacksaw. it doesn't need to be neat as it's not visible once the stem is fitted. I marked it with masking tape.
You can buy a hacksaw blade suitable for cutting carbon.

[saab9002]

Thank you all for the help and advice, I watched a couple of youtube videos of
Steering tube cutting guides, very useful, I used the idea of a jubilee clip set at
a mark and a hacksaw. It worked out really well, just need to acquire some clear
nail varnish now .
Next job is to file the front fork square where the bonded in inserts are for the disc brake,
it's just slightly out of true to the disc.
thank you all again for your help.
Chris

[Valbrona]

Next job is to file the front fork square where the bonded in inserts are for the disc brake,
it's just slightly out of true to the disc.
thank you all again for your help.
Chris

Don't, try cup and cone washers under the bolt heads.

See: post mount facing tool, assuming you do not have flat mounts.

[saab9002]

Don't, try cup and cone washers under the bolt heads.

See: post mount facing tool, assuming you do not have flat mounts.

Thanks for that I'll have a go at the cup and cone washers first.
Absolutely amazing how much help is offered on this forum, especially
for a newby like me.
Chris

[saab9002]

Sorry Valbrona,
I completely mis-read your post, I will NOT try cup and cone washers,
but find out in any of our local cycle shops will rent out a post mount facing
tool or do the job for me, looking at the cost of them seems a little prohibitive
to buy.
Chris