Buffing Micarta handles

J

JCCD

Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
5
I just completed a fillet knife kit with ivory micarta handles and nickle silver pins. It turned out ok, but when I tried to buff the handles with white rouge I got black streaks when I passed the buffing wheel over the pins. I only managed to smear the black all over when I tried to remove it. I'm using 4 inch muslin wheels in an electric drill. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Welcome to the forums,finish the micarta as much as you can by hand,then make sure that the buffing wheel is clean before loading with white rouge.When buffing use a light touch,even lighter over the pins.If you have a way to fix the hand drill in place and hold on to the knife it would be better,either way keep cleaning the buffing wheel.You can clean up the stuff already imbedded,with acetone or thinner.White micarta is tough to work cleanly,even for experienced makers,take your time.hope this helps a little.
 
I have this problem on some woods, If you sand to 400 grit (minimum, 600 is is better) you are almost there, you realy need to anchor that drill down, start with the areas that are clear of problems, buff to the pin. (not across the pin and down the handle. but across the handle and lift off at the pin) I keep my buff wheel loaded heavily, and as soon as I notice it changeing color I drag a piece of scrap acrilic(plexi-glass) througe it. I try to pull out as much of the discolored compound as possible, then reload the wheel. I have been able to remove the dirty compound with paste wax. It dosn't distroy the buffing job.

I hope this helps
eric
 
Henry,

You are performing the most dangerous task of knifemaking...buffing IMHO. Since this is a kit knife it is probably already sharp. Either take the edge off the knife or tape it up really well. I cringe at the thought of you using a drill with a buffing wheel. Please be careful... I have visions of that knife becoming a projectile. Just remember safety is...NO ACCIDENT

Eric :eek:
 
It is awkward trying to hold the drill in one hand and the knife in the other. I taped a some cardboard around the blade. I will try to clamp the drill down so I can keep hold the knife with both hands. I'm wondering if a cheap bench grinder would make a suitable buffer with some larger wheels. I may try that for my next knife.
Thanks for the help.

Henry
 
Buy a cheap grinder, or find an old electric motor at a yard sale. Put on some buffing wheels and you are all set. Total cost will be under $50. A stationary buffer is MUCH better and safer than an electric drill. Any way you look at it, buffing is dangerous. Please be careful.

If your blade is sharp, cover the edge with duct tape before you buff.

For ivory micarta I hand sand to about 1500 grit, buff lightly with pink rouge, and then scrub the handle well with dish detergent and water. Most of the marks you have on your ivory micarta are probably dirty grease/wax from the buffing compound. Detergent cleans it up, at least that's been my experience.
 
If you buy a grinder to convert, better get some shaft extensions from one of the supply houses. I would by tapered extensions and hard center wheels if I had it to do over.
 
Henry,when you get that motor to make the buffer,make sure to get one that is 1750/1800rpm,much easier to learn on than 3600rpm.they are both dangerous,but you cant believe how easy it is to lose control w/3600rpm.Get a good respirator if you are going to work with micarta,it gives off phenol and fomaldehyde gas when worked,both toxic.Buffing compound can give you silicosis if breathed for any length of time.Dont want to scare you,just make you aware,respirators are cheap,compared to doctor bills.good luck.
 
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