Canvas Micarta

[farmerjon]

Hey Folks,

I know this is probably a dumb question, but I can't seem to locate some solid info on this. How much pressure is required to press canvas micarta? I am thinking about trying to make some of my own, just for grins, and I really don't know where to start. I found a pretty good source of canvas, and I would assume that I use a Phenolic resin as a bonding agent, but other that that I am a little snagged.

I would appreciate some help if anybody has the time. A quick outline of a good home made process would help greatly.

Thanks

 

[howiesatwork]

I'd recommend using an epoxy resin. Phenolic resin requires massive pressure and heat, on top of being toxic...
Search for the threads by Ariel Salaverria or Mark Nelson (I forget his handle here). There has been much posted on this subject.

 

[gixxer]

If I am not mistaken if you do searches on homemade miKarta (yes, that spelling) there is a thread with I believe Ariel using a hydraulic press with a bottle jack using 4 tons of pressure. One guy sandwiched his stuff between 2 pieces of plywood and parked his car on the stuff overnight.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437313&highlight=mikarta

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413754&highlight=mikarta

 

[Leatherface]

Farmer..how about passing on that source for canvas??


Resin is your friend bro!! it is what I use!

 

[Mark Nelson]

I use two 6" claps and two 8" claps for a lot of the pieces that I do. That said I also use up to six 8" clamps for some large pieces. Leatherface, for cheap canvas you can get some nice canvas drop cloths if you look around for them at Lowes or Home Depot. For nice but pricey canvas you can go to art stores. If you want some very nice and very pricey colored canvas check fabric stores and look at the canvas they have for needle point.

 

[Leatherface]

WOOHOO!!

Thanks Mark!!

 

[Mark Nelson]

One other suggestion Dave. If you have a WalMart that has one of the fabric/craft sections you can find some needle point canvas there. 12"x18" (I think that is the size anyway) for a couple of bucks. Interesting weave but I have not tried it myself yet. They have several colors, couple of shades of brown, gray, sometimes black.

 

[gixxer]

Yup, I second the Wal Mart motion also. There is also some intersting fabric with prints for a backdrop for your lightbox also. Completely off topic more or less but hey.

 

[bilinghm]

Commercial Micarta as made by GE is pressed with about 30 tons of pressure in an oven. It uses phenolic resin, not epoxy. However, the epoxy process material being created by custom laminate makers is great stuff.