Making "micarta" channels?

[Stropping Young Lad]

I know Micarta is typically made in blocks and sheets, but has anyone ever tried to make micarta u-channels? I was thinking about making a form with a male and female section to press the air bubbles out of the fabric, and make a pre-formed shape.

Anyone see any problems with that before I invest in some tooling and whatnot?

Thanks!

 

[Geoff Flato]

I'd probably start with a solid piece of micarta and mill the slot. Tablesaw or wood router will work on micarta if a milling machine isn't available

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

I'd probably start with a solid piece of micarta and mill the slot. Tablesaw or wood router will work on micarta if a milling machine isn't available

I considered a dado blade on a table saw, but I'm only making the wall 1/8" thick. That would make the "web" in the channel a narrow stack of linen. I'm not sure if it'd hold up.

If it was wrapped into that U shape, I feel like it could be stronger. I just worry about being able to compress it.

 

[kuraki]

Norplex will make channel, and you can get carbon fiber in channel and tube, so I don't see why not.