Changes

Previously fiber bundles were cut using a fly cutter by Alan Chasse. The fly cutter would crack the cladding of the outside fibers and were considered to be "sacrificial" reducing efficiency by 64%. However, an end mill has been used in the last cutting attempts with extremely favorable results. At most two fibers have experienced outer cladding damage and even so the fibers will be usable after gluing and painting. This will greatly increase the mass production of multiple bundles and pictures of the fibers response to both the fly cutter and end mill will be posted soon.

Previously fiber bundles were cut using a fly cutter by Alan Chasse. The fly cutter would crack the cladding of the outside fibers and were considered to be "sacrificial" reducing efficiency by 64%. However, an end mill has been used in the last cutting attempts with extremely favorable results. At most two fibers have experienced outer cladding damage and even so the fibers will be usable after gluing and painting. This will greatly increase the mass production of multiple bundles and pictures of the fibers response to both the fly cutter and end mill will be posted soon.

After many end mill runs, the standard 1/4 inch two fluted mill has been replaced with a four fluted bit. Also, a cold air chiller has been constructed by Jim McIntyre to reduce the surface temperature of the milled fibers. This will allow for higher milling rpms of the fibers due to reduced surface temperatures which resist unfavorable melting.

After many end mill runs, the standard 1/4 inch two fluted mill has been replaced with a 1/4 inch four fluted bit. We are hoping that the bit will reduce outer cladding damage as a result of a smaller cutting area per flute. Also, a cold air chiller has been constructed by [[User: mcintyre|Jim McIntyre]] to reduce the surface temperature of the milled fibers. This will allow for higher milling rpms of the fibers and ultimately higher quality fibers.

==Polishing==

==Polishing==