Epoxy removal

J

JohnnyMayhem

Joined
Aug 6, 2006
Messages
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Hi, I was wondering what is the best way to remove epoxy from a marceta handle.

I have a R-1 Military classic that the previous owner wrapped in cordage and covered in epoxy and I removed it, but still have epoxy on the handle here and there.

So, how do I go about taking it off?
 
Is the handle micarta? If so, you will need to use abrasives to remove the epoxy. Heat or solvents that will remove the epoxy will damage the micarta.
 
yeah, it's a micarta handle. I just didn't know what grit of sand paper to use. Right now I'm pretty happy taking the cordage off of the handle because it felt like I was holding a baseball bat in my hand.
 
pics?
just start at 80 grit and remove all the epoxy then keep progressing through the grits till you have the correct final finish
 
I'd use a curved sanding pad and start with coarse grit sand paper. FTO_dude is right. Start rough (80 is what I start with as well) and go finer. Are you looking for a mirror polish? Then proceed right down to 2000 grit automotive paper. I switch to some soft metal polish (like brass polish) and cloth for the final step. I think a rougher finish would be around 320 or so.

My rule of thumb is to go 2x as fine for each step. 80, 160, 320, 800, 2000 or something like that.

I'd also wear a mask or respirator for sanding. It's not as bad as G-10 or CF but why breath the stuff in? Good luck.
 
Use a flat file. It will remove the epoxy quicker than sandpaper, and you can then clean up the file marks with 400 grit paper.
 
I was going to suggest something like Bill said. If you use a soft backing, the epoxy will tend to sand down slower than the metal around it, and you will not get a flat surface. Use a file or back some sandpaper. You might also try a sharp knife or chisel to get the worst of it off, the less sanding you end up doing, the better.
 
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