micarta blocks ???

[circle G]

i am a novice maker and have gotten some micarta blocks,they are about 2x2x12 in. long some bigger and some smaller,its kinda hard to cut,and get things even,any help would be a blessing,thanks for your time

 

[Will Leavitt]

Well blocks are usually used for stick tangs. If you're making full tang knives just split the block on a band saw and use the flat faces against the tang.

I've never found micarta that hard to work even using hand tools..... G10 is a different story. What type of tools/belts/sandpaper are you using to work it?

 

[Rusty McDonald]

Table saw or band saw will work, I use a miter saw to cut them with.

 

[circle G]

the blocks are different sizes,and they came from a big,big sawmill,they were used as saw guides,maybe work harden?,i have a small metal bandsaw,2x72.i even used a big wood cutting bandsaw once,but maybe just did not try hard enough!but i will take any advice and try some more. thanks

 

[circle G]

and yes wont to make full tang,so my problem to make even cuts???

 

[Will Leavitt]

Micarta doesn't work harden, it's like a really tough fiberglass. Never heard of them being used as saw blade guides. So I'm wondering if you have micarta.

WEAR a Respirator!!!

 

[J-siah]

Micarta doesn't work harden, it's like a really tough fiberglass. Never heard of them being used as saw blade guides. So I'm wondering if you have micarta.

WEAR a Respirator!!!

actually over the last few years it has become a very popular material to use for bandsaw guides.

I would try a table saw personally, there was a thread about using a diamond blade to cut g10 and it may work with Micarta.

 

[Will Leavitt]

Thanks J, didn't know that but would it work harden? Vibration and heat should break down a phenolic shouldn't it?

 

[circle G]

thanks alot guys,i will let you know what happens,if i get the camera to work i post some pictures,the saws we speaking of are big bandmills,blades about 6to8 in.wide and maybe 30 to 40 ft. long. thanks again for your time.