Knife #3 & micarta questions (Mat'l Safety Data?)

I know some of the old hands are probably pretty tired of "See my knife threads," but I thought you might like a peek at knife #3.

number3.jpg


Interesting working micarta for the handle. Steel is 1/8" 1095. Micarta works easier than some woods, but dusty as heck.

Anyone have tips/hints for controlling dust from micarta? Anyone have the material data safety sheet for micarta? I'm curious about controlling dust.

Thanks!

Mike
 
Hi, Mike! Nice looking knife.

Micarta is a phenolic based material. Phenol is sometimes used in cold remedies, but too much is bad for you. (Actually, I can't think of one type of dust encountered in knifemaking that is actually GOOD for you!)

The answer to your dust predicament is pretty easy - get a dust collector! Penn State Industries, Jet, Sears, and Grizzly are just a few companies that handle them.

Also use a respirator to save your lungs when things get dusty or when grinding.

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Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives
 
Mike Hull

Mike Hull

Joined
Nov 25, 2000
Messages
5,548
Michael,its as Tom says,but it not only contains phenol,but formaldahyde,and it is releases both when heated or worked,as a gas and in the dust.They can be absorbed into the system by breathing,and thru the skin from dust contact,definately wear a respirator,and keep skin covered as much as possible.When you are finished working the stuff,vacuum yourself off,or preferably,shower and change your clothes.If you have pets that wander into your shop area,make sure that you clean that up too,as it's even more harmful to animals.Both chemicals can cause elevated blood pressure,increased adrenalin flow,etc., and it can last for 8-10 hours.Some are more suseptible than others,but it will eventually cause harm in all who work this stuff unprotected.Like Tom said,most materials used by knifemakers are toxic,take precautions & live to make a lot of knives.By the way,I like micarta and use it a lot,im just very careful when working it.

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MJH
 
Thanks for the comments (and compliments!) I wear a dust mask and vacuum frequently.

It sounds like a dust mask doesn't cut it, though. What sort of "protection level" should I look for in a dust mask?

Is one that works for just dust OK, or fumes? Any tips would be appreciated.

Mike
 
Mike:

I'm no OSHA expert, but I think you should use a repirator with replaceable cartridges, not a simple dust mask. The system I use incorporates charcoal filled canisters and cloth pre-filters.

You can go to your local weld supply house and ask or call MSC at 1-800-645-7270.

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Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives

[This message has been edited by Tom Anderson (edited 01-15-2001).]
 
Mike,you need a respirator that take the screw in cartridges,Aero,3m,etc.Get a facepiece,then get 2-stage cartridges=organic vapor/formaldahyde,also get the cotton dust pre filters to go with them.when you are not using it store it in a 10-12" ziploc storage bag and your carts.w/last a long time.A dust mask is only good to filter out low flying birds etc.,it will not stop gases,plus they always leak around the edges.By the way it is a nice knife.

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MJH
 
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