Mycarta Mixed Material

M

mad4sax

Joined
Apr 20, 2015
Messages
9
I know the saying "no question is stupid" but this might be.
I have searched the forum and google with no luck so here we go.

Can you mix laminate material when making Mycarta (Yes spelled that way to prevent copy right laws LOL).
Example: Card stock and linen or card stock and burlap.

Just wondering if that would work. My brain says yes but I don't want to waste my time and money if this is a dumb idea.
 
Sure, you can layer different materials, wood, colors, whatever you want.
 
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What is most important is the resin used. Epoxy resin is best. Some use polyester resin, but it isn't as hard. For the best results use a good grade clear resin like West System 105. Equally ( if not more) important is the hardener. Use the extra slow hardener - 207 ( extra slow and extra clear) or 209 (extra slow) hardener.

With a strong mold frame and a good clamping press, you can maker handles scales from carpet, burlap bags, hair/fur, whatever.
 
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You need all the pot life you can get because stacking the layers and getting the clamp tight takes more time than people think it will.

I suggest that everyone do a dry run, with no epoxy in the work pot.
Start a timer, then pretend to dip and soak the cloth, lay it in the mold, repeat, etc. Once all the pieces are in the mold, place the top on and clamp up tight. Check the time. This is about 70% of what the real time will be. Soaking the cloth and placing it while wet with resin is slower than the dry run. An assistant who only soaks the cloth and hands it to you will greatly speed things up.
 
Its also worth keeping in mind that epoxy goes off a lot faster when you have a mixing cup full vs a thin pile on a scrap of cardboard.

If you're used to using west systems in small batches for gluing handles, expect maybe half the working time you're used to mixing up a pint or more of it. It caught me by surprise the first time I did it.
 
That is why the extra slow hardener is needed.

Good point on the pot depth. The depth of the pool of resin will magnify the curing time by concentrating the reaction and its heat, The thinner/shallower the pool, the slower the set time ( up to the rated time).

A piece of aluminum foil on a pizza pan works perfect. It keeps the puddle thin and allows lots of room for wetting the fabric. Clean up is as easy as tossing the foil when done.
 
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