DIY handle material questions

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pershing16

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Apr 11, 2015
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I have been experimenting with home made micarta. How do you all even out the back surface, Im using a 12" disc bench sander but noticed it grinds unevenly depending how I hold the piece. Is that just bad technique or is there a better method? I do not have a planer. Also, I experimented with casting resin and came up with this beauty, was thinking it needs a back plate, what do you all use? I was thinking a scrap piece of kydex behind it but not sure. Thoughts?

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Pershing16
 
I have a 4x36 that runs pretty flat so I use that. I also hold it down with both hands to get a nice even pressure. I made some from burlap and my issue is fibers sticking up after sanding, any trick on fixing that?
 
Maybe soaking it more? I think that is part of the grippiness of fabric. Also I think if you go up in grit and try to polish it should bring down the loose strands.
 
I took it to 1200 and hit it on the buffer. It polished nice but it has a few prickles
 
Make yourself a press from something flat and rigid. I use 1 inch thick aluminium extrusion with a hole at each corner for a bolt.

To control the laminate thickness put washers/spacers/nuts on the bolts and between the plates so when you tighten the bolts down the plates clamp tight onto them.

To minimise bubbles use plenty of resin, apply the resin at the middle so as you compress the laminate it spreads outwards pushing the air out. Alternatively roll each layer as you build your laminate.

You should end up with a nice flat parallel laminate pretty much ready to use.

Alternatively to make your scales fit perfectly (even if your blade is uneven) put your knife blade into the centre of the laminate, between two layers of cling film (sarin wrap?) Works a treat.
 
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