Epoxy for Making Micarta

[Glenn]

What epoxy would you recommend for making some linen micarta out of? I have some neat fabric and thought I would give it a whirl, but I am at a loss for the type of epoxy to use. Sticky handles are no good.

Glenn

 

[Chiro75]

PLease keep us posted on what you find out and how the prject works out if you end up doing it. I wouldn't mind trying to make some Micarta of my own, too, so let us know how it goes!

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[goshawk]

Accura-glass (sp) from Brownells has worked
very well for me.

goshawk

 

[Spencer Stewart]

K&G Finishing Supplies also sells some epoxy dye which would allow you to color the handles.

Question: Do you plan on making a block of it and then once it's dry shape or shape it before it's dry? Also, I figure you're going to have to let it set for quite a long while, possibly with the aid of heat, for it to completely set up.

Spencer

 

[tom mayo]

westinghouse uses phenolic resin....under pressure and heat....the hard part is going to be getting the layers even in your hand layup (believe me i made surfboards for almost 25 years....) use some kind of thin epoxy...like the west system for boats... and the slower it goes off the stronger it is..but with your situation a 12 hour cure might prove to be a bummer...to say the least.

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[Harry Jensen]

Dang it!
Now you got me curious about this stuff again!
Now that I've got a fairly large vacuum chamber, I might build a frame that'll fit inside. I figure plywood & pine, sealed in parrafin so it will release when cured, and "C" clamps to hold it together. Somebody on one of the other lists or forums a couple years back mentioned making some out of denim, and was pleased with the results.

Harry Jensen
Fresno, CA

 

[Glenn]

I will let you know how it turns out. I plan on making a block of it and then shaping it when I am through. I am in no hurry, so it will sit in my press for a while. I will cut/shred the fabric very small and then coat with epoxy. The excess will be squeezed off and the pieces put in a mold.

Regards,
Glenn

 

[Adamantium]

Okay, I'm hooked also. I've also thought of an idea. I figured that from the start you were just going to layer it. For the standard look of micarta.

But my idea is, cut it up into pieces. Then harden it and press it together. That way you get a really neat and radical pattern. Not just the normal look. Then again you guys might be doing that to begin with. And I'm just bringing up the rear

.

Anyway, keep us informed.

Sincerely,
Adam

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