Are Micarta Airborne Particles Toxic?

[redsquid2]

I read on another thread that you can't work Micarta at home. But they didn't say why.

Is it toxic? Is it harmful to the eyes if the dust flies into your eyes?

What about just sanding by hand, rasping, and filing? Should I wear the P100 filters?

Thanks.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

It is nasty stuff. Wear a good respirator, keep a wet rag around to keep your work area clean from the dust and wear long sleeves and good eye protection. Avoid any contact with it and always, always wear a respirator.

It works well by hand but the dust is bad no matter what.

 

[fod]

yes, but all dust is bad for you to some degree, but the cured resins are toxic, and the fibers encased in the resins can't be good for you when sanded into tiny airborne particles.

Of course is it not radioactive and a little common sense will help protect you. Wet sanding as Dan says is helpful.

When I cut my product into scales I use a wet tile saw and still use a full face respirator, but my level of exposure is greater than most. . .

The rule of thumb here is:

IF YOU CAN SMELL IT, YOU ARE BREATHING IT

I read on another thread that you can't work Micarta at home. But they didn't say why.

Is it toxic? Is it harmful to the eyes if the dust flies into your eyes?

What about just sanding by hand, rasping, and filing? Should I wear the P100 filters?

Thanks.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

It's bad for you all around.

I wear a respirator and shape it over a dust collector, then take a shower afterwards.

 

[12345678910]

Safety Equipment
Protect your -Eyes, Ears, Fingers, and Lungs – remove jewellery and put on safety gear.

Respirators
Chronic lung disease and cancer really suck the joy out of life.
The minimum I would consider are the 3M 7500 and North 7700 silicone half masks with a P100 Filter.
Use a VOC & P100 combo cartridge for protection against acetone and solvents.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=788837
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=726309

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

The trouble with phenolic is it releases formaldehyde as it is processed. I machine it here on a regular basis, I keep it flooded and I leave the area while it is machining and air the place out and filter my sumps. If you grind it much and get it hot you'll get a dose. They make filter cartridges for formaldehyde.

Play with it, it won't kill you, just use common sense.