Micarta from Suspenders?

[BenG41]

Hey guys,

My grandfather passed away this week at the age of 96, and he had a ton of sets of suspenders, which got me thinking....Could I make some Micarta scales using suspenders? Or would the elastic in them cause some issues?

Thanks!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The elastic would be problematic.

 

[WValtakis]

If I was SUPER determined to do it, I'd tumble them in the dryer until the elastic was shot then stretch them before doing it.

~Chip

 

[stonproject]

The elastic would be problematic.

I don't know much about creating micarta. What problems would arise from the elastic?

 

[WValtakis]

If you don't break it down like I described you'll basically have unimpregnated rubber bands running through your "Micarta".

~Chip

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I don't know much about creating micarta. What problems would arise from the elastic?

In the process of shaping the micarta, such as cutting or sanding it, the edges of the constituent material are exposed. In the case of elastic you'd end up with the rubber threads poking out the sides, which would be both unsightly and probably uncomfortable. The total effect would be less than attractive.