Laser cutting gaskets?

Hello,

It seems I've had the side cover off my bike more times than I've ridden it so I'm going to make an attempt to laser cut some extra gaskets. Last time I was so focused on not wrecking the WP seal or bumping the kickstarter out of place that I pinched the gasket and it leaks.

I have access to a later cutter (although I have no experience with it), a digital pattern from my last new gasket and I can get gasket paper at any auto parts store. It might not be worth it for just one gasket, but I can make some extras. I figure it's worth a shot at least.

Has anyone done this?

What thickness of gasket paper should I buy? It seems to be available in 1/32", 1/64" etc. I assume any type of fibrous material would be good?

Thoughts?

-Kent

tony951 said:

I would be willing to design it (Solidworks 2016) and share the file (dxf, etc.). I just ordered this gasket ($22) so I'll take a crack at designing it. I also have access to a laser cutter. I'll share the results in a couple weeks.

Alternatively, if a layout is available, can you post it somewhere? I may be able to use it instead of designing it from scratch.

I don't know the material, but as Taffy says it should be the same thickness and as close to the original material as possible.

Click to expand...

I don't have a pattern ready to cut, but I do have a scan of the gasket and I was going to turn it into an Illustrator file that can be fed to the cutter. I figure a 2D design would be OK, but if you have laser cutting experience maybe you can advise.

I'll try to get that .ai file done and I'll post up soon.

As for the thickness, I suppose I'll just need to measure the old one. Or more likely just take it down to the store with me and eyeball them.

On a side note, I might as well cut some valve cover gaskets from the excess material in the middle too.

-Kent

I got my side cover off (didn't pop the kick start out this time!!) and measured ~.027" and about half that where it was compressed.

I haven't had much time to work on this or go gasket paper shopping, but I've almost finished cleaning up my vector drawing so hopefully I can cut something soon.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll let ya know how it goes.