Micarta Question

A

Anthony DeGeorge

Joined
Feb 6, 2024
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Hello, I've been lurking on the forum for quite a while now reading and absorbing as much information from you guys as I can. I have a question regarding some canvas micarta I'm having trouble with. Everything I've read and watched on Youtube makes it seem like its pretty easy to work with and shape with a grinder but I have not had that same experience. The micarta scales I purchased seem very difficult to cut and shape. Much more difficult than the wood scales I put on my first couple knives. I would describe it as if I were trying to grind/cut a very hard wax candle. When I first started shaping them they were overheating and turning brown but I fixed that issue by turning my grinder speed way down. Now it seems like the scales are "gumming" everything up if that makes any sense. I tried cutting excess material with a hack saw and had to stop because the micarta was sticking to the blade so much it wouldn't cut. I tried several different belt grits on the grinder (36, 60, 80, 120) and not only did they not seem to work well but they're all gummed up too. I eventually resorted to pulling out my files and rough profiling the scales by hand which took a couple hours. Is it possible that maybe I just got a bad set of scales or am I doing something wrong? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
*Cut most off with bandsaw
*I use coarse, 36 grit (non ceramic) belts for micarta. Fresh, New, Sharp belts
*slow speed.
*light pressure, faster passes to not burn. Once you burn it it's hard to remove the discoloration.

*Idk if this is common or not, but I dunk them in water after each pass. Helps keep everything cool. Protects adhesive/epoxy
* clean up with files and hand sanding.

-Also I find doing handle work on a small rubber wheel is helpful (2-3")
Definitely harder than wood!
 
Micarta is not easy to work with. It's a very tough material. As Crag said, sharp belts and slow speeds. I tried zirconia belts because someone told me they worked better that AO, but in truth they just cost more than AO.
 
I use a porta band with coarse tooth pattern to remove as much material as possible before glue up. After glue up, a coarse (60 grit) AO belt at slow speed works well for rough shaping the handle. Belt cleaner sticks (rubber) are your friend. I further refine with bastard files, then sandpaper up to whatever grit I want to stop. Last few sandings are done wet (with either water or windex) to deal with raised fibers from the linen or canvas material.

edit to add: strangely, the "finer" the laminate material, the more difficult it seems to work with (Paper is more difficult to work than linen, which is more difficult than canvas).
 
Also get yourself those big rubber eraser things. About the only thing i buy from Harbor Freight.

They clean your belts, makes them last longer with wood and micarta's
 
navman said:
I use a porta band with coarse tooth pattern to remove as much material as possible before glue up. After glue up, a coarse (60 grit) AO belt at slow speed works well for rough shaping the handle. Belt cleaner sticks (rubber) are your friend. I further refine with bastard files, then sandpaper up to whatever grit I want to stop. Last few sandings are done wet (with either water or windex) to deal with raised fibers from the linen or canvas material.
Click to expand...
Beat me by a few seconds with the eraser....Ha!

Good call about sanding wet... I forgot to say That.

make sure your paper can handle it. Rhinowet, I think it's called? Is awesome sandpaper.
 
Not all micarta is created equal, some have more resin than fabric. Some colors are also worse it seems. I find Ultrex micarta to be the best of what I have used for quality and easier shaping without clogging belts.
 
Your hacksaw teeth might be too fine for it. I find a coarser blade is better, I usually use a Japanese wood saw
 
I have zero problems working micarta. With the exception of the red firedog canvas pops sells.

Sharp coarse belts to shape. I use a wood bandsaw and have used 18 tpi and 10 tpi with no issues. If you’re burning it your belts and blades are dull.
 
The quality is a huge deal.......Ultrex and G. Hansen & Son's both have top shelf products........... Where are you located is a better question🤔.........Might answer the why of crappy material........Best of luck.👍
 
Thescrawnylumberjack said:
I have zero problems working micarta. With the exception of the red firedog canvas pops sells.

Sharp coarse belts to shape. I use a wood bandsaw and have used 18 tpi and 10 tpi with no issues. If you’re burning it your belts and blades are dull.
Click to expand...

That stuff is the Worst ..haha
Everyone wants it too, cause it looks so good.
But Ouch it's frustrating.

I use some aluminum in my fasteners that I make
It Love to bleed into that chilli pepper micarta style... Makes it look dirty. Uses lots of sandpaper. :/
 
Ultrex firehose is not bad but the Ultrex blue I have is the worst as it instantly gums up a fresh belt.
 
Hengelo_77 said:
An old man once told me:
Everything you cut off you don't have to grind off.
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So far I've managed to get by with cutting excess from steel bars and wood scales with an angle grinder and/or a hacksaw. Seems like this experience is a good excuse to pull the trigger on a porta band.
jfk1110 said:
The quality is a huge deal.......Ultrex and G. Hansen & Son's both have top shelf products........... Where are you located is a better question🤔.........Might answer the why of crappy material........Best of luck.👍
Click to expand...
These particular scales I ordered from Pop's. I'll certainly check out the two you are recommending for my next blade.
Thescrawnylumberjack said:
I have zero problems working micarta. With the exception of the red firedog canvas pops sells.

Sharp coarse belts to shape. I use a wood bandsaw and have used 18 tpi and 10 tpi with no issues. If you’re burning it your belts and blades are dull.
Click to expand...
It's funny you say that because I totally almost ordered the red firedog canvas instead.
 
By the comments posted, you can deduce you’re “burning” your micarta….,go slow and use a new, good cutting, belt!

One of my buddies who also makes knives, I’ve always accused him of trying to get “$20 worth out of a $5 belt”…and he’ll burn the crap out of micarta. I use only new belts when shaping my micarta handles.
 
If your grinder isn't variable speed ... Micarta isn't for you!
A full speed grinder will burn the micarta and make a mess.

If you don't have variable speed, use fresh coarse belts and go slow. Switch to files and hand sanding after the initial 90% shaping. The burned areas should file/sand away.

I pretty much only use canvas micarta ... and hate paper micarta. Linen is OK if you go slow.
 
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