advice on micata scales?

N

Nathan Blackall

Joined
Jul 13, 2015
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i am once again making my own micata (denim) for the scales on a project, but last time the micata was so damn tough it took absolutley forever to shape it and just as long to sand polish and smooth it, i was just wondering what the best way to shape micata is and if i might be more efficient to cut out each piece of denim to the size and shape it will need to be before i start and do it that way, anyone got any experience with this? thanks.
 
What kind of epoxy are you using? How are you shaping it? Hand sanding? Files? Belt grinder?

Typically my belt grinder makes pretty short work of any store bought micarta... Even some of the harder industrial grade shapes fairly easily. It may eat or clog up belts a little faster, but generally isn't that much trouble.
 
Are you using a belt grinder? It's easy for me using one. I have to be careful to not remove too much. Use coarse grit abrasives.

If you're using files then use more aggressive ones. Maybe a magi-cut file.

Make sure and wear a respirator.

IMO "mycarta" isn't really a good option. I went that route before and wasn't too impressed. Actual industrial micarta isn't terribly expensive and is a lot better product from my experience. If you're selling the knives I wouldn't use home made "mycarta." But again, that's just my opinion.
 
i don't have a belt grinder, or any files (i tend to use my angle grinder, but i fear micarta may clog it) i'm just using cheap epoxy resin with a cheap hardener, last time i was forced to actually use a combination of sandpaper and a boxcutter to shape it and i'd rather not repeat that ordeal. and thanks but i don't sell my meagre creations, they're just a lil hobby and i like to make as much of a piece as possible from scratch.
 
Get a flap disc for your angle grinder. It will still clog but will do much better grinding than the cut off discs for softer materials such as wood and micarta.

Chris
 
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