Old Micarta: Westinghouse "The Original High Pressure Plastic Laminate"

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Was there a purpose to the different fabric types? Is it just what they had, or did they offer different properties?

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Just took apart a small surge protector ,only a couple of years old , Phenolic resin ! So that's at least 100 since it's been used .
I don't know the fiber . But many resins and many fibers are used .The cotton canvas fiber of Survive!Knives makes for a nice grippy surface when wet while a glass fiber would not .
We just reinvent the wheel - wood is cellulose + lignin !!
 
mete said:
Just took apart a small surge protector ,only a couple of years old , Phenolic resin ! So that's at least 100 since it's been used .
I don't know the fiber . But many resins and many fibers are used .The cotton canvas fiber of Survive!Knives makes for a nice grippy surface when wet while a glass fiber would not .
We just reinvent the wheel - wood is cellulose + lignin !!
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Is it Bakelite or Tenite perhaps?
 
I've read articles stating that the linen and canvas (especially canvas) were used in many industrial applications. Micarta was first developed as early as 1910-1911. Other than electrical panels/circuit boards, Micarta has been used in gaskets, gears, pulleys, even early car parts. I remember seeing an auction site posting that had Micarta parts for a Model T.
The paper and Ivorite micartas were developed for more decorative applications.
 
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This piece features two black lines and a two tone surface-- one being black speckled and the other an aged yellowish ivorite.
 
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This piece appears to be a chunk of high voltage conduit. My guess would be that the paper micarta inside would be yellowish in color.
 
Kimberlin, if you don't mind my asking, what is it that makes the old Westinghouse product so special? And how can you identify it as such?
 
I found this block at work in the scrap bin, it is 5" by 6" and 1" thick, it looks "older" but I'm not sure how old? Came across this thread and thought I'd share, Dan

 
Westinghouse invented the material. A lot of their original recipes and methods of pressing batches weren't and couldn't be replicated today.

Authentic Westinghouse Micarta can be identified by a few traits like single or double colored lines, some can identify it right away by a unique smell.
*It is always good measure to use proper dust collection + respiration when working with materials like micarta. Eye and ear protection as well.

Wulf said:
Kimberlin, if you don't mind my asking, what is it that makes the old Westinghouse product so special? And how can you identify it as such?
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Thanks Kimberlin. You seem to have accumulated quite a nice collection of the stuff.

Gopher, nice score! You'll get a few nice handles out of that chunk
 
Working with formalin will release Formaldehyde ! Not good for you or the environment !
 
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