Kevlar Micarta

robotech

robotech

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Hey guys.
Just bought a piece of this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=250395935722
I received it and it's 1/2" thick!
And heavy.
I need to cut it down to at least 3/16" thick.
I think it would make some awesome handles, but using a sander to thin it out will be a nightmare and a mess. I have a 16" scroll/shaper table saw, but don't know what type of blade to purchase as my wood blades don't even like 1/16" G9. My saw takes 5" PINNED blades.
I could cut one piece to the handle width I need, then cut it again to get 1/4" slabs, then sand.
I really need some advice.
Has anyone had any experience with this stuff, or have I just bought a $15.00 paper weight?

kev.jpg
 
Five words- Too exotic to be practical?

It would have the same visual effect as heavy linen micarta, and the only difference is, you've torn up equipment, or had to buy new equipment to be able to work it, all for the sake of being able to say "Hey, it's kevlar!"
 
I guess I was worried over nothing.
The material is as easy to work with as regular linen Micarta.
I tried a hand coping saw on the edge to see if I could split each scale into two thinner places. Went right through for about a 1/4". I stopped because I want to cut the block into scales to fit whatever project, which I don't know right now. Plans are to scale one medium blade, and a small NAA shorty .22rf.
The sanding disc and drum sanders go right through the material, so that's a relief.
HOWEVER, if anyone is thinking about using this stuff, take note of my warnings.
1. We are all smart enough to wear some sort of respirator and eye protection whenever we abrade woods and micartas/G10. And this stuff is even MORE dangerous. Why? See 2.
2. See those weave's in the epoxy? It IS metal! Although it will sand down to fine dust, it will be metal filings, and darn sharp ones at that. Even when hand sanding dry.Wouldn't want this stuff in my lungs or eyes. and to 3.
3. Because these are metal "splinters", they actually get into your skin. I actually can feel the little pricks (pun intended) in the soft part of my hands like between the fingers. I will wear surgeons gloves to work this stuff. I did wash with dish soap and it mostly went away. The filings are too small to penetrate more than just a nuisance.
But, once it's shaped and sanded down to start wet sanding, it seems to get much better.
And I like the effect. The pics below in NO WAY show the true #d and light catching properties. I have a great camera, just don't know how to manully set it up, yet. gonna learn, though.

Here is just a side of the block sanded down to 600 grit wet and dry.

1of.jpg


From the top to show how the rough sides are now smooth. Each layer is a shiny brass color , with the dark areas epoxy. It really has a nice 3d look.

1t.jpg


And here's one more showing the sanded part, again.

2s.jpg


Too exotic? I don't think so as long as you know what you are getting in to. It doesn't wear abrasives or blades any more than regular Micarta, and will polish up if you want a polished finish. I don't subscribe to Super Glue myself, but it would certainly take to the treatment.
And another thing to note. When shaping the TOP layer, it is hard to get a perfectly smooth finish. The epoxy will be smooth, but see that weave (even wider than burlap)? It is over and under.
This actually causes a "bump" effect that, in my opinion, would be conducive to a handle. It's practically invisible, but gives a "grippy" feel. Of course that's moot if you go through the first layer.
It has a fairly thick epoxy layer and takes a while to sand down to the weave. But it WILL buzz off fast on a wheel or belt.
Then you get into lower fiber layers, which as you can see from the side, is randomly laid in.
Well, I am going to give it a shot, but will shower immediately after abrading the material, believe it. I am sensitive to fiberglass too, tho.
 
haggismonger said:
Five words- Too exotic to be practical?

It would have the same visual effect as heavy linen micarta, and the only difference is, you've torn up equipment, or had to buy new equipment to be able to work it, all for the sake of being able to say "Hey, it's kevlar!"
Click to expand...

I can understand the thought that Kevlar would be too hard to work. I thought so myself. I was completely wrong. At least with THIS material.
Trying to cut ANY material from 1/2" thick to 1/8 - 3/16" is a hassle.

And I've never seen heavy linen have this weave. It's hard to tell by the pics, BUT this is a 4" X 4" block, 1/2" thick. Possibly 4 sets of scales (8 slabs) at 4 X 1 X 1/4" slabs.
So the weave is WAY bigger than linen OR burlap.

And as far as just bragging rights, I didn't buy this because it was kevlar, but in spite of it.

I like the burlap look and this is over the top compared to Burlap. The decision to use this was entirely cosmetic.

And so far, I feel it was justified as I have never seen anything that looks like this. I'll see when I finish. I may hate it, and NEVER use it again, but at this time, I am intrigued.
And I already have it. Waste not, want not.
 
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There should be no metal in Kevlar. Kevlar is an aramid fiber, and is dangerous to work and breathe, but it doesn't contain metal.
 
Kevlar's strength isn't in it's cut resistance. ;) Working it should be no problem, but trying to smash it with a hammer would give you a headache.

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product. :thumbup:
 
this isnt pure kevlar ..

would not even look close to what he has pictured,

and this is from the link he gave ..

its a brass / linen / kevlar micarta ..

so that metal he's getting in him is brass ..
 
Didn't go to the link.
I have some 1/2" kevlar bulletproofing material. We used it on judge's benches a few years ago. It looks similar in the weave, but much lighter colored.
 
It will be several weeks before I can get to it, but I will post pics.
I am not sure the little prickles are metal. As I said, I am sensitive to fiberglass dust and it kinda itches like that.
But it sure looks like brass weave in the material. The substrates SPARKLE like metal.
I WILL be careful working it, tho. Long sleeves, respirator, and eye protection.
 
interesting!!!

i make kevlar laminate myself, or should i say tried it...

kevlar is yellow, only yellow

frays like crazy, easy to abrade but it leaves hairs sticking out

not very strong in terms of psi, strong for weight, easy to break in a vise but so is g10 or micarta
 
Yes, that IS interesting!
And this does leave hairs sticking out.
The epoxy content is high, luckily, and it gets very smooth, but I think a Super Glue treatment may be needed.
I don't like that idea, but I'm not totally against it.
I don't have a project blade at this time, so I don't know how wide I need my slabs. But as soon as I do, I will post a work log.
thanx!
 
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