does G10 come in different quality? is it easy to work with?

sogflash

sogflash

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does G10 come in different quality? I believe the answer to that would be yes, but how much does it matter?

how is G10 to work with? I'm thinking about making scales for some knives and want to know if I should try to use G10. should I just give up before I start? I have various sand paper, some files, a drill and a dremmel.
 
I'm fairly sure it does come in different qualities, but can't say for certain. As for how easy it is to work, it's tougher to work than most wood, but not too difficult. You shouldn't have much trouble shaping it with the tools you have...the only things you might want to look into are a beltsander or grinder to rough shape the scales.
 
does it come off in small pieces, or can bigger pieces break off?

is it bad for the lungs? should I breather trough a filter?
 
sogflash said:
does it come off in small pieces, or can bigger pieces break off?

is it bad for the lungs? should I breather trough a filter?
Click to expand...

Never worked with it, but I have talked to some people who have, and they mentioned that you really do need a mask. There is fiberglass after all. I was also told that it can irritate the skin and cause itchiness
 
The bet advice I can give you is to look in the Shoptalk forum, and search for terms like "G10 safety", "Working with G10", "sanding G10". You get the idea. You only have one set of lungs, and fiberglass, carbon fiber, saw dust, etc is not good to ingest. It can be extremely dangerous and cause long term respiratory problems.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694453-Working-with-G10-for-handle-material
You will need a proper fitting respirator with the appropriate filters.
You will need some type of power equipment (atleast a Dremel) and some knowledge of how to use it
The dust can and will get all over the place, including your eyes, hair, ears, etc. You have to make sure the place you work is away from any place where kids, pets, or people would potentially stir up dust.
 
I have never made scales, but i've been looking into making micarta. I don't think I am allowed to post a link, but there is a youtuber you should check out, he did some instructionals on g 10 scales (search 'how to make g 10 scales part 1'). Name is tuffthumbz. A lot of DIY guys make their own Micarta, resin, linen, and some really cool patterns come out with the filing and contouring, like with g 10. I'd definitely breathe through a quality mask, and goggles, especially using the drill. Fiberglass and resin dust don't seem appealing to inhale... Jantz supply, is one place that sells slabs that you can size down, In my experience using knives, the quality of g10 seems to come through in the sanding i.e. what grit you finish with. Sorry that's all I know, Good luck, make sure you post some pics when you're done!! you're in the right place, I assume you've already checked out the DIY forum. -hayes
 
When working with G-10 you definitely want to wear a GOOD respirator. You may wanna wear long sleeves, hat, scarf etc. because some people find the fiberglass very irritating. It doesn't bother my skin but I always wear a respirator. When working it with power tools low rpm's work best because it is easy to burn. I get 90% of my G-10 from www.alphaknifesupply.com because they have just about any color and thickness you can imagine, from .010" liner material to 1" blocks. Chuck and Jessica are also good people and are very helpful. They even have the textured G-10. You work it as normal then when finished you peel off the top layer to expose the texture. It has a nice grippy feel and looks good too.
 
In terms of how it comes off when filing and sanding, it basically becomes powder. It works fairly slowly but easily, you won't have any trouble.

The nice thing about G10 is that you can leave it rough or sand it down to a fine grit and buff it for a polished look. I suggest finishing to a fine grit then going back to a coarser sandpaper if you want a more grippy finish.
 
As far as different grades of G10 - The Jade G10 (actually G11) is extremely hard and works very slowly. It is much harder than the usual G10 like was mentioned at Alpha. ALWAYAS wear a safety mask and eye protection when working it. Every time I work it on the grinder my goggles get covered with a thick layer of dust and I don't want that crap in my eyes.

Even wear eye protection when hand sanding it as you will see the little specks of dust in the air and you certainly don't want to breathe that.

Keep a door open and a fan on as well.
Jason
 
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