HELP Need Tips on Sanding Micarta

tuffthumbz

tuffthumbz

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Sep 26, 2009
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So i just got an Ranger RD6, Everyone knows the handles are very uncomfortable, so i want to reshape them. Anyone ever do this?
Im planning on useing sandpaper and doing it by hand...
Any advice on what i should and shouldnt do?
Is micarta toxic to work with, (thinking yes)
any tips or links to this process would be awesome

Thanks bladeforums!!!!
 
You can do one of 2 things. Wet sand so that you prevent dust or wear a respirator and dry sand it outside. Like anything, start shaping with coarse using a sanding block and dowels and finish with finer grit. At least it's not fiberglass. :)
 
you should get a respirator anyway. I have handled them before, didn't think the handle was that bad.
 
Safety Third Tips:
-NEVER sand epoxy/glass based materials without a respirator. This doesn't mean to wrap a hanky around your face either. Spend $4-6 on a N95 respirator from 3M. You only get 1 pair of lungs and the dust from handle material is not to be taken lightly.
-Dremel tools make things move along quickly, but you can easily sacrifice speed for quality/control. Unless of course you have a lot of experience with a Dremel.
-Wear eye protection as well. The dust from these handle materials is so fine, it can easily get in your eyes causing severe irritation.
 
im stupid, lol i have a fan on full blast blowing it away from me so that combined with the bandana should be ok, plus the micarta is wet so..
 
tuffthumbz said:
im stupid, lol i have a fan on full blast blowing it away from me so that combined with the bandana should be ok, plus the micarta is wet so..
Click to expand...

You can always use a small bucket with some water as well. When I started making handles for knives this summer, I went and bought some safety goggles and one of these:
LBM93911Z.jpg
 
tuffthumbz said:
im stupid, lol i have a fan on full blast blowing it away from me so that combined with the bandana should be ok, plus the micarta is wet so..
Click to expand...

Just spend he money on a damned respirator. Seems to be fine won't be fine later on, when you can't hike through the woods because of diminished lung capacity.
 
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