Composite blade bending

[rjmurp01 0]

Can anyone tell me if heating and bending a composite blade is safe, and if so, can it be done in the same way you would a wood blade?

Specifically, I have an Easton Synergy II blade, Iginla pattern, and I'd like to open the toe up a bit.

Will this significantly affect the performance and durability, assuming it is done correctly?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[DarkStar50 680]

I am not saying you can't do it, can't try it or say it doesn't work but I have been told that the carbon fibers are not "bendable"(word? I don't know!) under heat. Structurally, the carbon fibers break or crack under heat. They cannot be molded. As a person with no engineering degree in composite materials, I am only going with info as given to me. So, for everyone here, let us know how it works out if you decide to try it.

[Archangel#16 1]

I am not saying you can't do it, can't try it or say it doesn't work but I have been told that the carbon fibers are not "bendable"(word? I don't know!) under heat. Structurally, the carbon fibers break or crack under heat. They cannot be molded. As a person with no engineering degree in composite materials, I am only going with info as given to me. So, for everyone here, let us know how it works out if you decide to try it.

I believe the word you are looking for is maliable (spelling?)

[pantherfan 0]

I heard that once the blade is cured in the factory theres pretty much no going back and your almost definatly doing more harm then good if you re-heat/re-bend.

EDIT: Damn 2 replys before I posted, I need to refresh the page more and speed up my typing!

DS's answer sounds more likley also...

[rjmurp01 0]

I have a blade currently with some damage by the heel (big surprise in an Easton blade.) I'll probably try to experiment with that one since I'm only looking to modify the toe section. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

I was curious about this because I saw an Ovechkin profile on tv and they showed him in the locker room torching his blade. Obviously he doesn't care about going through 3 or 4 sticks a game, like I can't afford to do, but apparently it can be done. My main concern is durability.

[Chadd 916]

I was curious about this because I saw an Ovechkin profile on tv and they showed him in the locker room torching his blade. Obviously he doesn't care about going through 3 or 4 sticks a game, like I can't afford to do, but apparently it can be done. My main concern is durability.

You hit the nail on the head. You can modify a comp blade but it will not be durable.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

Yes, been covered before and as all have said above, doing it will essentially ruin your blade. You might get a few games out of it... possibly (that is, presuming it's even usable after all the bubbling/cracking to the blade as a result of bending it) but I wouldn't do it dude.

[colt45 0]

I was curious about this because I saw an Ovechkin profile on tv and they showed him in the locker room torching his blade. Obviously he doesn't care about going through 3 or 4 sticks a game, like I can't afford to do, but apparently it can be done. My main concern is durability.

i think most pro-stock's blades are made differently, without the seal or whatever, letting them bend it the same way the company does when they actually make it.

search youtube for how to make a stick and one of them toured the CCM factory and showed them making the old 10.0...they dipped it in a seal i think after they had heated and curved it....interesting video nonetheless.

[prenny207 1]

if the blade is solid, then it is possible to slightly modify the blade (this is not common). if the blade is foam filled, has I beams, or honeycomb, or any other form of structural reinforcement, it will seriously ruin the blade.

i currently use comp blades that can be tweaked a little bit, but it is not recommended, and you have to be cautious in the process.