May I ask what properties must be present for the end product to constitute it being 'micarta'? I have been rather confused as to what really is the makeup of true micarta.
QUOTE]
Reading from the Book of Wikipedia:
"Manufacturing process
Micarta industrial laminates are normally phenolic, epoxy, silicone, or melamine resin based thermoset materials reinforced with fiberglass, cork (wood) cotton cloth, paper, carbon fiber or other substrates. Micarta industrial laminate sheet is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers of prepreg. These layers of laminations are usually of cellulose paper, cotton fabrics, synthetic yarn fabrics, glass fabrics, or unwoven fabrics. When heat and pressure are applied to the layers, a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a high-pressure thermosetting industrial laminated plastic."
So, making "homemade micarta" in the garage or home shop may allow the application of some amount of pressure through the use of clamps or weights, but you won't apply the heat at the same time that's required to achieve the required chemical reaction. The "homemade" stuff may work nicely on knife handles but if the real micarta, being manufactured in plants under set conditions with proper QC, will make a poor axe handle, you're not gaining any capability, except for experimentation. Either way, good luck!
